asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of the inadequate number of fishery protection vessels, it is his intention to purchase smaller-type vessels to protect the offshore fishing grounds of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection.
7.
I hope to make the strengthening of the Naval Service an on-going matter according as resources permit. As I stated in the Dáil last Thursday, a second all-weather vessel of the Deirdre class is to be constructed. This of itself will be a significant improvement in the Naval Service's capability to protect our fisheries.
As to the types of vessels which may be ordered in future years, no decisions have been taken. While not ruling out the possibility of using smaller type vessels, serious consideration would have to be given to the limitations which the weather conditions off our coasts would impose on their employment.
Would the Minister not agree that the smaller type of vessel is a good idea? Would he consider the possibility of converting fishing trawlers of the larger size such as those supplied by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for fishery protection purposes in view of the shocking revelations in the newspapers last week about the exploitation of our fishery waters despite the fact that we have four fishery protection vessels? Does the Minister consider that number is adequate?
No. I do not consider that number adequate. That is why the Government had made a decision to build another Deirdre. Smaller patrol vessels for fishery protection duties are not favoured because of their safe sea going capabilities. The seas around our shores are pretty rough and the naval personnel have to be at sea for long periods in order to carry out their duties properly. At present the advice I get favours fishery protection vessels of the Deirdre class.
Would the Minister agree then that the addition of one vessel to the existing fleet is not sufficient?
I agree that it must be an on-going process but Rome was not built in a day.
And in the meantime our fisheries will have been exploited to the point where they will no longer be worth exploiting?
I do not agree. The men on the boats we have are making every effort to see that our fisheries are not exploited. I do not accept, because of newspaper articles, that they are being exploited to the extent that the Deputy would like to suggest.
I am not relying solely for information on newspaper articles. The Minister will agree that the matter is of a serious nature and that the addition of one fishery protection vessel is not sufficient? This is not to underrate in any way the contribution made by fishery protection personnel, but they are limited by the number of vessels and I believe it is the Minister's responsibility to supply additional vessels.
The Deputy is making a statement.
That is what I am doing.
You are not.
Would the Minister make a statement on the implications of a court decision in the Six County area last week which could affect this matter?
I could not comment on that.
Will the Government make a statement on it?
I cannot comment on it.