asked the Minister for Fisheries if he is aware of the concern of members of Limerick Board of Conservators at the damage caused to inland fisheries by trawlers in the estuaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trawler Fisheries Damage.
19.
I am aware of the problem referred to by the Deputy. The Limerick Board of Conservators are doing everything possible with the resources at their disposal to protect the salmon fisheries within its district. I am having the position regarding the provision of an adequate fishery protection service examined in the context of the proposals at present under consideration for the restructuring of our inland fisheries administration.
Is the Minister aware that a number of prosecutions by the fisheries board had to be dropped because they could not identify the trawlers in the estuary? They need a protection vessel. Is the Minister further aware that the board have threatened to resign because they do not have a protection vessel?
I am so aware. The position is that the Limerick Board of Conservators are doing their best. There is a suggestion that suitable seagoing patrol vessels for offshore protection of the salmon stocks should be acquired. A figure of between £10,000 to £15,000 has been quoted as being required for this purpose. It should, however, be possible for the protection staff of the various boards to inspect the salmon at the point of landing rather than at sea. Admittedly, if fishing for salmon is taking place in the Shannon Estuary, it is possible that the catch is being landed outside the Limerick district. We are having this matter investigated and we hope to improve the position as soon as possible.
The Minister must be aware that the board are dissatisfied with the response from the Department to their demands for finance for an extra vessel and have threatened to resign. Would he not consider making a special grant available to provide an extra vessel to guard the estuary? How can we patrol 50 miles if we cannot guard the estuary?
That is a separate matter.
They are two separate matters. The protection of the 50-mile limit would be for the Naval Service. This is a matter for the water bailiffs of the Limerick Board of Conservators. The first I heard of this was when I attended a Fine Gael dinner at Killarney. That was about three weeks ago.
Did they serve salmon?
I do not know if the Deputies think I am a genius but I cannot produce vessels in three weeks.
There was a Minister in charge of fisheries before this Minister took over.
(Interruptions.)
Order.
The Minister is supposed to get the minutes of the meetings of these boards. Does he read them?
This matter was referred to me only three weeks ago. We are looking to see if it is possible to procure a vessel that would do the job. It would not be possible for vessels of the Naval Service to come into the estuary because their draught would not permit. We are looking at this matter at the moment.
Does the Minister think the board should take unilateral action?
I would not express an opinion about that at all.
(Interruptions.)