“Irish Fishing Organisations standing firm on Fisheries Bill”

The four main Irish fishing Organisations, the IS&WFO, the KFO, the IFPO and the IS&EFPO have today repeated their warning that they are not prepared to accept the proposed Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill as it is presently drafted. The Bill is due to be debated again in the Dail tomorrow.

“Our total opposition to this Bill has been well publicised. Our principal reasons for opposing it are:
It perpetuates the situation whereby there is one rule for Irish fishing vessels and different and more lenient rules for foreign vessels.
It increases the level of fines despite the fact that fines for fishing offences in Ireland are already ten times higher than the EU average.
It contains no provision for the decriminalisation of minor fisheries offences despite the fact that decriminalisation is supported by the EU Commission and 86% of all EU fishing offences are not pursued through the criminal courts.

The Bill is now being railroaded through without elected representatives being given sufficient opportunity to contribute to the debate. Crucial amendments are required to make this Bill equitable. A large number of TD’s are still intent on speaking on this issue but it looks like they will not be given the opportunity. What are TD’s elected for if they are not permitted to debate relevant issues such as this Fisheries Bill? We are not prepared to accept either the Bill as it is drafted or the undemocratic “railroading” that we believe will be attempted tomorrow. This issue is of major importance to our fishermen, to date we have been satisfied to participate in the debate through our elected representatives, if that process fails, we will have no option but to review our strategy and look at alternatives.”

30th November 2005