andMr. Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken about complaints from fishermen in St. Johnstown, County Donegal, in connection with a British navy patrol boat in their area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Fishermen's Complaints.
47.
(Cavan): I have received no complaints in connection with a British naval patrol boat in the St. Johnstown area. I can assure the Deputies that any complaint which I receive will be fully investigated.
I have had quite a number of complaints from fishermen. First of all, they dispute the claim that this patrol boat has any right to operate within a few yards of the Donegal border and, further, that on many occasions last season this boat went through their nets and as a result considerable loss was caused as well as damage to their nets. They would like an assurance that this will not happen in the coming season.
(Cavan): I can tell the Deputy that any complaints that are received are investigated. I understand the Deputy did make contact with the Minister's office on 20th January inquiring about the result of representations made by him some time previously in regard to the matter of complaints. There was no record in the Minister's Department of these representations having been received and the Deputy's office was so informed at the time. The Deputy's office has now been asked to furnish a copy of the representations in question and if the Deputy gives that information the matter will be looked into.