13 May 2010 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Fishing legislation must change

Martin Ferris

Martin Ferris

Changes must be made to existing fishing legislation which imposes criminal penalties on fishermen found to be in breach of regulations, according to Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris. Ferris spoke to a Private Members Bill in the Dáil on Tuesday night. The debate focused on a proposal to replace the current penalties with administrative measures and fines.
“The current system and the manner in which the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority operates are causing a great deal of resentment among fishing and coastal communities,” Ferris said. “Many fishermen feel that they are being criminalized under the current system and also contrast what they regard as the heavy handed approach to Irish fishermen with the lack of attention paid to foreign vessels fishing in Irish waters.”
Ferris added that control of the Irish fishing sector had to be taken away from Brussels.
“We need to tackle the bigger issues such as the manner in which the fishery is administered by the EU and the totally unfair distribution of quota which gives Irish fishermen a tiny proportion relative to that handed to the rest of the European fleet,” he said. “That and other issues need to be tackled as part of the current review and proposed reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.”

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland