asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is aware that foreign trawlers were operating in Free State territorial waters off the Donegal coast on the 10th and 11th October; and, if so, whether he will state what steps, if any, are being taken by his Department to prevent this illegal practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Trawlers.
No report regarding illegal trawling off the Donegal coast on the dates mentioned has reached me. The whole question of the protection of the fishing in territorial waters is under examination.
Can the Minister say when he expects to be able to come to a definite decision in regard to this question? It has been under consideration, according to the Minister's replies, for a very long number of years.
I could not say, because, in fact, it is not particularly my function.
Would the Minister consider not pressing some of the fishermen for their instalments during the time they are getting no fish?
The fishermen are getting off very lightly.
And so is the Minister.