asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the fishermen of Donegal view with great concern the advent of a fleet of foreign trawlers into their fishing grounds in Donegal Bay; that this bay in recent years yielded good results to local fishermen while there was a respite from foreign trawlers; and if he will take the necessary steps to extend the territorial limits to ten miles to protect the interests of Irish fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Trawlers.
I understand that some foreign vessels have recently been observed trawling on or about the fishing grounds mentioned which, in common with others, benefited by the reduction in deep-sea fishing activity during the war period. I am assured that the Marine Patrol Service of the Department of Defence is giving the matter special attention. The question of the extension of our exclusive fishery limits generally is still under discussion.
Has the Minister received reports that a great many foreign trawlers have been poaching around the Wexford coast and, if so, is he prepared to take steps to prevent such poaching?
I have not been asked that question, but I am sure that if such reports have reached my Department, it has done its best to see that the Marine Patrol Service was made aware of the matter at once.