Government Asked To Explain Why Arklow Fisherman Hasn't Been Compensated

Wicklow TD John Brady has called on Taoiseach Michael Martin to clarify why the Irish government has failed to offer compensation to an Arklow fisherman, despite being offered a solution by the EU Commission.

CJ Gaffney purchased the Mary Kate trawler in 2007 which was deemed fit for purpose by several surveys and passed as seaworthy by the Marine Survey Office.

But in January 2008, it was discovered that the Mary Kate, along with several of her sister ships which are all under 24 metres in length, were classified as seriously unstable and described as a death trap.

The European Commission previously informed Mr. Gaffney that the Irish government would be able to draw down EU funds from the European Fisheries Fund, given the unique circumstances of his case.