asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the urgent need for appointing coast watchers along the Kerry coast and of reorganising and developing the coast life saving service to the highest possible degree of efficiency to ensure as far as possible the safety of the fishermen and the protection of the territorial waters from poaching trawlers; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast Watchers (Kerry).
During periods of bad weather a watch for vessels in distress is maintained at night at certain selected points around the coast by members of the Coast Life Saving Service. The general organisation of the service and the question of the points at which the maintenance of watches is required are kept constantly under review to ensure a continued high degree of efficiency. While it may be possible to effect some improvements in the coast watching arrangements from time to time the expenditure from public funds involved in the establishment of a continuous watch-keeping service around the coast would be prohibitive. The Deputy's representations will be borne in mind when coast life saving service requirements in County Kerry are under consideration.
The prevention of poaching by foreign trawlers within the exclusive fishing limits is a matter for the Minister for Defence and is one in which I have no function. I understand that the Minister for Defence is satisfied that the present machinery for reporting the presence of foreign fishing vessels within the exclusive fishing limits is adequate.