asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state from information derived from the log of the Muirchu (1) how many trawlers (other than French lobster boats) were observed during the year ended 31st March last fishing illegally in Irish waters; (2) in how many cases did the Muirchu give chase, and (3) how many captures ensued, and if prosecutions followed what penalties were imposed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Trawling.
Dr. Ryan
During the period in question but before a gun had been fitted on the S.C. Muirchu two British trawlers found operating inside our exclusive fishery limits refused to stop when challenged by the cruiser. Since the installation of the gun there has been no such incident but on three occasions trawlers observed to be sheltering within our exclusive fishery limits put out to sea on sighting the fishery cruiser. Inasmuch as none of these vessels was at the time engaged in fishing no attempt was made at arrest or capture and consequently no prosecution was instituted.