Fine Gael has criticised the high level of fines imposed on Irish fishing vessel owners found in breach of regulations under the EU's Common Fisheries Policy.
According to Fine Gael's marine spokesman Mr John Perry, Irish skippers are being criminalised and fined at between six and 11 times the EU average depending on the level of offence.
"Figures from the European Union show that the average fine for unauthorised fishing in 2001 was ... €1,040 in Denmark, but in Ireland the fine was a staggering €12,700," he said.
"Such breaches are considered criminal offences in this country, while in other EU states only administrative sanctions are imposed.
"What is more, the entire catch is confiscated upon detection of a breach of the rules, unlike elsewhere."
While his party fully supported the EU's attempts to preserve fish stocks, there should be a "level playing pitch", and the new Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Pat "The Cope" Gallagher, should address this anomaly, Mr Perry said.
Reacting to Thursday's budget Estimates for 2005, Mr Perry also said that the Government had shown its complete indifference to the marine tourist sector by not allocating any money for the marine and natural resources tourism programme.
He said that €2 million allocation for the sector represented a 30 per cent cut.
He also claimed that this money was "ringfenced" for four marine projects in counties Kerry, Galway and Sligo which had been given State support by former marine minister Mr Fahey without required EU approval.
