asked the Minister for Fisheries the liaison, if any, that exists between the staffs of the coastal and the inland fishery protection services especially with regard to protection of estuaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection Services.
10.
I propose seeking the co-operation of the Naval Service in the matter of regulating fishing for salmon by Irish boats off our shores but the decision will, of course, rest with the Minister for Defence.
Is it proposed to have these arrangements in operation for the current salmon season?
Yes. I think the time has arrived as a matter of urgency when the Naval Service must consider the apprehension of all poachers, both Irish and foreign trawlers. I am having discussions with the Naval Service in this regard. I would refer particularly to illegal drift netting off the Mayo coast at the mouths of bays where illegal nets of great length have been used by Irish trawlers which are affecting drift netting by licensed persons inside, inside that draft netting, and inside that again proprietary fisheries. The time has arrived, for the first time, when we have to consider apprehending our own people for such nefarious practices.
Would the Minister not consider that the naval fishery protection service has enough to do to try to detect foreign trawlers poaching in Irish waters without directing their attention to whatever few poachers there may be in the salmon fishery areas?
I would call the Deputy's attention to the fact that this practice of large trawlers, because of the value of salmon, putting out illegal drift nets of great length off the Mayo coast, in deep water at estuaries and carrying off the bag of salmon before the legitimate drift netting fishermen inside the estuary in smaller boats have a chance to get it, or after that the drift netters, or after that again the rod fishermen and the proprietary fishermen on the rivers. The point has been reached when we must consider apprehending our own.
In apprehending the foreigners the Minister would be doing a good job.
I know, but we must take into account that our own people can be wrong too.
Foreigners are getting away with it every day of the week.
I am not for poachers. I do not know if the Deputy is.
I am not for foreigners.
I am not for poachers no matter who they are.