With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
The first fishery protection patrol carried out in each of the minesweepers L. E. Gráinne, L. E. Fola and L. E. Banba took place on 15th February, 1971, 11th May, 1971, and 17th June, 1971, respectively. Since 15th February, 1971, one foreign trawler was arrested and 259 were observed by the crews of the three minesweepers. Of the latter, 13 were boarded or checked by interrogation on loud-hailer or otherwise.