asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that French trawlers are constantly fishing within the three-mile limit off the west and south-west Kerry coast, particularly off Cahirciveen and Dingle; and, what has been, or will be done to give full protection to the fishermen of those important fishing areas and to prevent the depredations of foreign trawlers in some of the best fish spawning beds within the jurisdiction of the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Trawlers: Protection of Fishermen off Kerry Coast.
48.
I am not aware that French trawlers are constantly fishing within the three mile limit off the West and South West Kerry coast.
It would not be in the public interest to disclose any steps being taken in connection with fishery protection work in any part of our territorial waters. I may say, however, that my Department is mindful of the needs, in this respect, of the various fishing areas around our coast and that all receive appropriate attention commensurate with our resources.
Is the Minister aware that on Saturday, 31st October last, a French trawler swept away £150 worth of fishing gear within territorial waters? This gear belonged to Mr. J. Brosnan, a fisherman of Dingle.
I am not so aware. We received no recent complaint of that kind from that area.
The complaint is coming forward now. I have received the complaint.
It is hard to investigate it if the incident occurred a month ago.