asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that foreign trawlers have recently been fishing inside the three-mile limit; and, if so, whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent this practice in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poaching by Foreign Trawlers.
I am aware that within the past few days some foreign fishing trawlers were observed off the east coast. Appropriate action was taken and, as a result, one trawler was arrested for fishing in territorial waters. The master of the vessel was prosecuted and fined £25 for unlawfully entering territorial waters.
I can assure the Deputy that fishery protection measures are being carried out to the utmost extent possible by the vessels which are available for the purpose.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this matter had been reported to the Department of Defence by the representatives of the fishermen in the North County Dublin area from Clogher Head to Howth and that no action was taken? Further, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that until I put down this question they did not bother sending out their boat to see——
The Deputy has frightened the navy.
There was a report that foreign fishing trawlers were fishing on the east coast and, immediately the report was received, one of the vessels from the Department of Defence, the "Cliona," was sent out on the 26th of this month. As a result, one of the poachers was intercepted and a prosecution followed.