Commission sends ‘reasoned opinion’ to Ireland on penalty points

The European Commission has decided today (July 2nd) to send a ‘reasoned opinion’ to Ireland over, what the Commission sees as, its failure to fulfil its obligations under the Control Regulation establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Specifically, the EU says Ireland has failed to comply with Union rules on establishing a point system for fisheries-related serious infringements committed by masters and licence holders of vessels flying the flag of Ireland.

On account of this, the Commission has issued a ‘reasoned opinion’ to Ireland which now has three months to address the failures. Otherwise, it may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

A contentious issue in Ireland on account of the manner in which the previous government had acted to implement a points system, the current coalition’s Programme for Government has promised to implement “a fair EU points system in order to protect fish stocks and ensure the release of suspended EU funding.”