asked the Minister for Lands the cost of the exploratory vessel purchased by his Department some time ago; the time which the vessel has spent at sea since the date of purchase; the information acquired as a result of its researches; and if and when this information was passed to the fishing fleets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exploratory Fishing Vessel.
100.
The capital cost of the exploratory fishing vessel "Cú Feasa" was approximately £55,000. She has been to sea regularly since 19th April, 1960, with the exception of short periods while her equipment was being adjusted and normal maintenance work carried out.
Initial investigations have been undertaken in regard to whiting, prawns and pelagic fish but further work will be necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn. The vessel is at present engaged in exploratory fishing for herring off the south-east coast and conveying the results to Irish boats in the area.
Could the Minister inform the House if the vessel has been on research work on the west or north west coasts of the country yet?
No. As I understand it, she has been where I have indicated, off the south-east coast.
But surely everybody knows there are herrings there at the moment?
The Deputy may not understand the fact that it is because the herrings are there and that a fishery is in danger of being destroyed that she must go there to provide the requisite knowledge to enable us to take the necessary measures to protect it. It is the most urgent job we have for the "Cú Feasa."
Surely the protection of our fisheries is a matter for the Naval Service?
If the Deputy has misunderstood me, by protection I mean the conservancy of Dunmore East fishery which is the most important one on our coasts.
The herring fishery?
Yes.
It will be very interesting to get the results of that investigation.