asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the importance of the herring season to the fishermen of County Waterford; if he will station a naval protection vessel at Dunmore East during the coming herring season to ensure adequate protection for these fishermen against foreign vessels entering and fishing in Irish territorial waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fishery Protection.
12.
The permanent station of the vessels of the Naval Service is the Naval Base, Haulbowline. Having regard to maintenance, logistic and crew requirements, it would not be feasible to station one of these vessels permanently at any other location.
The Dunmore East area is being and will continue to be patrolled by vessels of the Naval Service as frequently as possible during the herring season, having regard to the resources of the service.