asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what steps have been taken to replace the fishery patrol ship "Muirchu" so as adequately to protect our sea coast fisheries from the depredations of foreign trawlers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Replacement of Patrol Ship “Muirchu.”
Dr. Ryan
The fishery cruiser "Muirchu" has been maintained in a state of thorough efficiency. The question of her replacement by a new vessel will not arise for some time yet.
Is the Minister aware that conditions with regard to poaching have become very much worse, and since the Fishery Act was passed, which gave him increased powers, nothing has been done? He said the "Muirchu" is thoroughly efficient. Of course, efficiency in this regard is probably a relative term. The "Muirchu" is absolutely unable to cope with the situation. The Minister must be aware that the situation has practically got out of hand as far as any protection by the "Muirchu" is concerned.
Is the Minister aware that on April 30th, not only did trawlers poach the Donegal coast but they actually assaulted and chased the Donegal fishermen out of the sea and forbade them to fish off the Glenagad coast again. At present they are afraid to fish there in case they would be assaulted or their boats destroyed by foreign trawlers. I can give the Minister the name and number of one of the trawlers which actually, by threats, assaulted the fishermen. The trawler's name is "Tsar F.D. 79." They actually drove the fishermen off the water and forbade them to fish off the coast again, and the fishermen are afraid to fish and are not earning any livelihood, awaiting some action by the Minister to defend their interests.
That is another matter for the Minister for Defence.