135. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on amending the existing regime pertaining to fishing boat licences that restrict inshore fishermen from engaging in marine tourism activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35634/15]

I am advised by the Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats that fishing boat licence conditions do not restrict inshore fishermen from engaging in marine tourism activities. The Marine Survey Office (MSO), Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has full responsibility for the issue of Passenger Boat Licences (e.g. vessels which offer angling/charter trips). MSO rules do not permit vessels that are entered on the Register of Fishing Boats to be licensed as Passenger Vessels.

Therefore it is an MSO requirement that a vessel must be removed from the Register of Fishing Boats before it can be licensed as a passenger vessel.