Fishermen won’t be criminalised for minor offences

Fishermen in Irish seas who commit minor offences will not be crimin-alised or face confiscation of their catch or equipment.

Proposals launched yesterday by Fianna Fáil aim to decriminalise some sea fishery offences committed by Irish-registered vessels.

Under a proposed bill to be brought to the Seanad, trawler skippers would face administrative penalties and fines of €400 as opposed to more serious measures under current EU fishery laws.

The Government last night indicated it would consider the proposals to ease fines.

Fianna Fáil’s Brian Ó Domhnaill published the bill and, having met with fishermen’s organisations, hopes it will be in front of the Seanad before the summer break.

“Ireland remains the only significant maritime jurisdiction in the EU that has no administrative penalties, this bill aims to change that,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Marine Minister Simon Coveney indicated last night that he was open to assessing the Fianna Fáil proposals.

“Some time ago he got advice from the Attorney General on this. The process is continuing. He will continue to work on this and see what possibilities are open to the Government,” she said.