Whether fishing fines deter violations
A Deputy argued that £10,000 fines were not an adequate deterrent when fishing companies could share the cost through a consortium. The Minister said adequacy depends on ability to pay and could not assess the consortium point.
: Would the Minister accept that a fine of £10,000 is not adequate? Would he also accept that a number of these third country boats fishing illegally form a consortium and these fines of £10,000 come out of a fund and are paid by the consortium?
Comment on this
: I am glad the Deputy has given us that information but I am afraid it raises a different question.
Comment on this
: It is relative. It depends on the capacity of the convicted person to pay. In some cases it is adequate and in some not.
Comment on this
: Perhaps I did not make myself clear. These people form a consortium so, irrespective of their size, I believe the £10,000 is not adequate. It is not a deterrent.