Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

MARINE TIMES NEWS April 23rd:
SFPA Executive Chairperson Paschal Hayes Retires

It has been announced that SFPA Executive Chairman Paschal Hayes has retired after almost 45 years of service between the civil and public service. Mr. Hayes notified the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Timmy Dooley T.D. of his intention to retire before the expiration of his term in March 2026.

Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness who chairs the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, confirmed that he has written to Mr Hayes on behalf of the Committee and noted the recent announcement. The Authority has been subject to intense scrutiny by the Committee in recent months.

Teachta McGuinness said: “I have written on behalf of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs to note Mr Hayes’ retirement and to wish him well for the future.

“The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority has appeared before the new Fisheries Committee twice in recent months, including as recently as last week. That engagement forms part of our work in holding the Authority to account and examining the wider system of sea fisheries protection.

“That work is ongoing. My colleague Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has been appointed as rapporteur examining sea fisheries protection in Ireland. His report is assessing the current regime, comparing it with practice in other European countries, and considering alternative models, and the urgent need for reform.

“The Committee has held a series of hearing in recent months. We have heard directly from fishermen, producers and industry representatives about their experiences and concerns.

“This is a substantial piece of work. It is focused on delivering a system that is fair, fit for purpose, transparent and accountable, and that has the confidence of those who rely on it.

“I expect the report to come before the Committee in the coming weeks and to be published thereafter. Its findings will likely include a call for legislative reform. There is both a need and an opportunity to refashion fisheries protection so that it is fair, fit for purpose, transparent and accountable.”

Deputy McGuinness said the Committee would continue its scrutiny role as this work concludes and as its recommendations are considered.

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In our April edition -

When Guessing Wrong Can Get You a Criminal Record! What Will Be Done with the SFPA?; Does The Government Want Inshore Fishing? The Cost Of Fishing Is Becoming Unsustainable; Fuel Cost Rises Catastrophic for Fishing Fleet - Fishermen forgotten by Government as fuel cost crisis hammers industry; €32m Agreement Reflects Sustained Lobbying ....

.... all of this plus so much more in our April issue

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