Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
808. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the statutory requirement that at least 50% of crew on certain licensed fishing vessels must be EU/EEA nationals is monitored and enforced; the number of inspections carried out on crew composition in each of the past five years; the number of breaches identified; the number of sanctions imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6603/26]
View answerThe monitoring and control of fishing vessels within Ireland’s Exclusive Fisheries Zone are law enforcement matters for the Irish control authorities. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, all operational matters concerning sea fisheries control are, as a matter of law, exclusively for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Naval Service. Under the Act, I am expressly precluded from getting involved in operational matters in relation to sea fisheries control.
I understand that it is a condition of a licence of all licensed and registered sea-fishing vessels that such vessels shall not be used for sea-fishing, whether within the exclusive fishery limits of the State or otherwise, unless at least 50 per cent of the members of the crew are nationals of any of the Member States of the European Union or a State belonging to the European Economic Area.
I am informed that the SFPA, as part of its inspection programme undertakes checks regarding adherence to licence conditions including crew composition.
In addition, I understand that the Marine Survey Office (a constituent part of the Department of Transport) oversees crewing from a safety perspective generally.
It is further understood that the Naval Service (which falls within the purview of the Minister for Defence) also undertakes crew composition inspections generally and informs the Workplace Relations Commission of the details of those inspections.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy’s query to the SFPA for attention and direct reply in so far as its responsibilities are in this matter (as summarised above).
