asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the keen disappointment of County Donegal fishermen at the fact that the Cú Feasa did not visit the Donegal coast during the month of May and assist in the location of the Matja herring shoals; and if it is a fact that owing to tendency of this vessel to roll in rough seas, it is thought advisable not to send the ship to the Donegal coast.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fisheries Exploratory Vessel.
53.
The Cú Feasa has in fact been searching for herring off the Donegal coast since 23rd May.
Red herrings.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state if the Cú Feasa is a very seaworthy boat?
That is another question.
I asked what operations have been carried out on the boat and I say——
She is off the coast of Donegal, at sea.
In calm weather.
54.
asked the Minister for Lands what operations have been carried out recently by the Cú Feasa.
In recent months the Cú Feasa has been used for—
(1) continued investigation of distribution and dispersion of herring larvae from spawning grounds off the southeast and south coasts;
(2) further whiting research, including mesh selection experiments, in the Irish Sea;
(3) continued study of Dublin Bay prawns in the Irish Sea, including, size distribution and other characteristics and mesh selection experiments;
(4) searching for mackerel off the south coast;
(5) commencement of investigation of hake stocks in the Irish Sea;
(6) collection of general hydrographical information.
The vessel is at present searching for herring off the Donegal coast.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary state how many days this vessel was tied up in port?
The vessel spent much time working off the Waterford coast and was very helpful there in locating herrings, as the Deputy well knows.
I did not ask that; I asked how long she was tied up.
That is a different question, demanding more detailed information.