Minister Frank Fahey welcomes the completion of negotiations on the new scheme to license and regularise the small inshore fishing sector

Minister Frank Fahey T.D. today (Wednesday 5^th February 2003) welcomed the completion of negotiations by Minister Dermot Ahern T.D. and Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources officials on the new scheme to license and regularise the small inshore fishing sector.

Minister Fahey said, "When I introduced the new licensing regime last year it proved controversial because of the high cost of tonnage. The EU Commission subsequently agreed to reduce cost to 50% and following prolonged negotiations, which I started with the Commission last May I am delighted that they have now finally agreed to include all applicants who applied for the scheme without any charge for tonnage."

"We now have a fully compliant inshore sector and I am satisfied that all the genuine fishermen who want to engage in a management and conservation programme will be included in the scheme," continued Minister Fahey.

"I would like to pay tribute to Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources officials and to Minister Dermot Ahern T.D who negotiated, over the past 6 months, to get this result. I further note that fishermen who purchased tonnage when I introduced the scheme will retain the right to sell this tonnage and avail of the new license," concluded Minister Fahey.