asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware that Irish fishermen have complained of interference on a number of occasions by French fishermen fishing off the Irish coast, and, if so, if he will use his good offices with the French authorities with a view to preventing a recurrence of such happenings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Activities of French Fishermen.
I am aware of allegations which have been made by Irish fishermen of interference by French fishermen fishing off the Irish coast and I am in such cases at all times quite prepared to make the necessary representations to the appropriate French authorities if and when I receive a request from the Department concerned.
Will the Minister agree to take up with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defence the question raised to-day by three Deputies?
Surely the Deputy is putting it the wrong way round. It is for the Department of Agriculture to inform my Department that they wish the matter to be taken up.
The Minister will appreciate that the incident referred to to-day occurred on the high seas and for that reason is exceptional.
But until either of these other Departments notify my Department, we would not have any knowledge of it, except as a result of a question here.