Failure to invoke fishing rules could net multi-million euro penalty

Ireland could face a multi-million euro fine after the European Commission moved formal infringement proceedings over the failure to implement fishing regulations.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has received a letter informing the Government that the commission is beginning proceedings for not introducing a points system — similar to penalty points for road users — for licence holders of sea fishing boats and a separate system for skippers of vessels.

A 2009 EU regulation created an EU ‘points’ system to act as a deterrent against specified serious infringements, and to ensure compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy and States were given until January 2012 to implement this.