(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the continual poaching off the Waterford coast by Dutch fishing vessels; and, if so, what steps he intends to take to protect Irish fishing interests there.
33.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Poaching by Foreign Trawlers.
31.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that at 3 p.m. on 22nd October there were 36 Dutch trawlers within four or five miles of Ballyvila Head, County Waterford; that several of them were within one mile of the shore; and that they were fishing; and what action he intends to take to prevent further occurrences of the kind.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 33 together.
One complaint of illegal fishing by foreign vessels off the Waterford coast was received by my Department. This was on the 23rd October, 1968, and was to the effect that 39 foreign trawlers were fishing off the coast near Dungarvan, some illegally.
The corvette L.E. "Macha" reached the area on the morning of the 24th October, 1968, and found the foreign trawlers outside the fishery limit.
The area in question along with other fishing areas around our coast will continue to be patrolled by the Naval Service within the limit of its resources. In arranging patrols cognisance is taken of the increased activities of foreign trawlers off the Waterford coast during the herring fishing season.
(South Tipperary): Is the Minister aware that since the 22nd October local fishermen have had practically no results from their fishing endeavours whatsoever and would he not agree with me that the arrival of a corvette on the 24th, two days after this Dutch fleet had come inside our waters, was a bit late to be effective? He has not answered my question as to the provision of small, faster boats. Perhaps he will later.
I would like to ask the Minister if helicopters are used to any extent in fishery protection and if so were they used in this case? It seems to me that this was quite a serious breach of our fishery limits.
I did not hear what the Deputy said.
He has a beautiful tenor voice.
I asked if helicopters were used for fishery protection and if so why they were not used in this case.
That is not in the question that was put to me by Deputy Hogan. The general view is that helicopters are not suitable for the purpose of fishery protection. I would want notice of that question.
They would be a bit faster than the corvettes.
32.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Defence if he has any reason to suspect that poaching trawlers off the Irish coast are able to secure advance information about the deposition or movements of Irish corvettes from coastal spotters or other sources; and if he will consider initiating some inquiries as to such possibilities.
I have no reason to believe that foreign trawlers can obtain information from coastal spotters about the disposition or movements of corvettes.
I am advised that it is most unlikely that such information is obtained other than by warning messages passed from one trawler to another.
34.
(South Tipperary) asked the Minister for Defence what steps he intends to take to prevent further poaching off the Irish coast by foreign trawlers; and if he will consider the provision of a number of small fast motor torpedo boats or coastguard cutters to deal with this problem rather than the single frigate which is contemplated.
Patrolling of our coastal waters will continue to be carried out by the Naval Service within the limits of their resources.
The question of the replacement of the corvettes at present used for fishery patrols is under consideration and the suitability of different types of vessels for this duty and also for naval purposes is being examined. The purchase of a frigate is not and never has been contemplated.
In view of the fact that the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has £88,000 invested in two trawlers which are now in the hands of the liquidator would the Minister for Defence consider bailing him out by buying the trawlers cheap and converting them to the purpose of fishery protection?
I would not consider that in any circumstances.
Would the Minister say how long this matter has been under consideration because we seem to be getting this reply for a number of years?
It is a long time under consideration.
Could the Minister say if the corvettes will sink before the consideration is over?
I should not like to give an opinion on that.
(South Tipperary): Would the Minister consider favourably the acquisition of a number of small, fast boats because according to local opinion that is the only solution to the problem?
I am advised by the military authorities that anything smaller than the corvette is not of much use.
Surely it is the naval authorities the Minister should consult?
In this country, where the naval resources are so small, the expression "military authorities" includes the Naval Service.
(Interruptions.)
Is it the Minister's position to say that the corvettes are the only resources against, seemingly, the consensus of opinion of the fishermen that small fast boats are required? Will the Minister not vary his attitude as long as the naval authorities continue to hold their present views?
That is taking the argument too far. I am advised by the military authorities. Other considerations are involved in this also and I have had an investigation of the matter carried out.
What is the result of the investigation?
The Deputy may know soon.