161 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of applications he has had under the scheme which allows the capacity of a fishing vessel lost at sea prior to the coming into operation of the fishing boat register, set up by the 1989 regulations, to be used as replacement capacity for licensing purposes; the number of such applications which have been granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9041/02]

A total of 66 applications have been received under this scheme and to date three of these have been approved. The other applications are being examined in my Department and replies will issue in due course.

162 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry under the scheme to allow the capacity of a fishing vessel lost at sea prior to the coming into operation of the fishing boat register, set up by the 1989 regulations, to be used as replacement capacity for licensing purposes, will receive a response to the application which this person made and which was acknowledged by his Department on 28 August 2001. [9042/02]

This application is one of a number currently under consideration in my Department and a decision will issue as soon as possible.