asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the extent to which foreign trawlers operate within the three-mile limit around the Erris coast; whether he is aware that the foreign trawlers concerned are equipped with wireless receiving instruments, and that in fact they pick up instructions wirelessed to the "Muirchu" which enables them to escape detection within the three-mile limit, and whether in view of these circumstances he is prepared to consider equipping a seaplane for the protection of the coastal fisheries in North Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trawling off Erris Coast.
No report has reached my Department to indicate that foreign trawlers are now, or have been recently, operating within our exclusive fishery limits in the area mentioned; but the presence of two French lobster boats close to that district has been notified. I am not aware, nor do I believe, that there has been any such interception as alleged of messages addressed to the fishery cruiser. Apart from that consideration, I am not satisfied that a seaplane could be utilised to advantage on our fishery protection service.