asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that a trawler (name supplied) has been arrested; and, if so, what steps he has taken to protect the State's investment in this boat and also in another boat (name supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arrest of Trawler.
51.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that in May, 1968, a plenary summons for nonpayment of instalments of a French loan was served on the company owning the vessel referred to in the first part of the Question and that the vessel was detained in port by writ. These proceedings do not appear to have been continued, as the company since went into liquidation.
I can assure the Deputy that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are taking the requisite steps to recover a specified proportion of the grants given for the purchase of the vessels, under the terms of their agreement with the company, which include provision for such recovery in certain defined circumstances. As regards the loans given by the board for the purchase of fishing gear, recovery will depend on the outcome of the liquidation proceedings.
Will the Minister say if the second boat has been arrested?
Not that I am aware of.
Is that not the normal procedure where there is a State investment of approximately £90,000 to proceed to arrest both boats, sell them and try to recover the money. What means is being adopted to try to recover this money?
The means as I have described by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara. I have conveyed my views as regards this matter and advised the dealers and so on what is their best course. This is being followed.
Is it not a fact that there appears to be a good deal of neglect in this connection, that this boat is simply abandoned? Should something not have been done about this before the State took the necessary action to safeguard their interests?
The Deputy is not quite as simple as that. There are other claims as well as the assets.