asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the disquiet expressed by Irish fishermen concerning the fishing in Irish waters and the use of Irish bases by the Japanese trawler Nichirco and the proposed introduction in July of another bigger trawler by the same Japanese firm.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Industry.
30.
I am aware that there have been some reports of disquiet amongst Irish fishermen over the operations of a fishing boat owned by a Japanese firm but I do not think they are justified. There is no evidence that the boat in question has been fishing within our exclusive fishery limits where practically the entire catch of fish by Irish boats is taken, while the shore-based facilities being used by it are those normally available for supplying boats and landing fish.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that no damage has been caused to Irish fishermen because of the activities of this Japanese group?
According to all the information, and I have made personal inquiries about this, this Japanese boat has not caught any fish within our limits. As the Deputy is aware, we have a 12-mile fishery limit and we have no control beyond that distance. We have fishing around our coasts French and Dutch boats; in West Cork we have many Spanish boats and we have British boats. This has been under constant review to ensure that they do not fish within our limits. Possibly if the limits were extended it would be helpful as well.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary no fear that the new trawler that is contemplated by the Japanese will cause damage either?
It is not so much a question of fear. Our jurisdiction does not extend beyond 12 miles and if the whole Japanese fleet——
According to our fishermen, they have come inside our limits and damaged the nets of Irish fishermen.
It is peculiar that the owners of the damaged nets did not make some report to the Department.
They must have lost hope in the Parliamentary Secretary.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.