Conor D McGuinness Seeks Independent Oversight of ATSI Inspections

Conor D McGuinness questioned whether there is a disproportionate number of ATSI inspections on Irish vessels compared with other EU vessels and said he was not in a position to carry out a full analysis of SFPA risk calculations. He argued that oversight should rest with an independent body or be handled through the Committee rather than by the Minister.

Inspection discrepancy

Conor D McGuinness raised a concern about a perceived discrepancy in ATSI inspections, asking whether Irish vessels face a disproportionate number of inspections compared with other EU vessels. He made clear he could not, in that moment, perform the detailed analysis of SFPA activity or risk calculation required to prove or disprove the claim.

Call for independent oversight

He said that oversight of ATSI inspections and SFPA risk assessments should lie with a body independent of the Minister if the Committee cannot undertake the work. He suggested the Committee itself could carry out the review if able to do so.

Limits of personal remit

McGuinness emphasised the practical limits of his role in conducting a full audit of SFPA calculations, indicating he would not be in a position to produce the detailed analysis now. He framed the issue as one needing an external or parliamentary mechanism to scrutinise inspection allocation and risk methodology.

Implications for scrutiny

The remarks underline questions about how ATSI inspection allocation and SFPA risk assessment are scrutinised and who should have the authority to review them - an independent body or the Committee. The comments point to potential next steps for formal oversight or committee inquiry into inspection practices and risk calculation.