asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that certain facts in relation to the bearings of foreign trawlers fishing illegally in this country's waters are being made available daily to his Department and that no action appears to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Fishing.
12.
In regard to the first part of the question, I am not so aware. The answer to the second part does not, therefore, arise.
Can the Minister say how many fishery patrol boats are operating at the moment?
It is the experience of the Naval Service that the most reliable source of intelligence in respect of illegal fishing is the Irish fishermen at sea and these fishermen are constantly in contact with patrol vessels. The pattern of patrols is based on such intelligence and on the patrol vessels' observations. Many of the complaints received from sources ashore are found to be either inaccurate or misleading however wellmeaning and for this reason the Naval Service normally request that such reports be processed through the Garda Síochána. Recently it was alleged that a number of French boats were fishing in Liscannor Bay, Aran Islands and Galway Bay areas. The patrol vessel Banba, on Monday night, 21st March, 1977 under cover of darkness saw no evidence of illegal fishing. The Banba contacted the Irish vessel Arkin Castle which reported that it had seen no infringement by foreign trawlers. On Wednesday, 23rd, Thursday, 24th, Friday, 25th and Monday 28th March, patrols were carried out in the Aran Islands area and the naval observer on board the aircraft reported no signs of illegal fishing activity by foreign vessels. Position reports by Spanish fishing vessels have been received daily on a voluntary basis. They were not fishing illegally. I may add that within the past hour an aircraft has been in the area and reports that there are no illegal fishing activities in progress. That is the very latest information.
The Minister did not answer the question I asked—how many patrol boats are operating? How many are on active service? Would the Minister expect that Spanish or French boats which were reported to be fishing illegally would be there this week for the patrol boats to arrest them?
The Deputy is aware that the presence of the French fishermen is due to the fact that this is the annual prawn fishing season which runs from the end of March to the beginning of May. The fishermen usually operate at dawn and at dusk and between these fishing periods the fleets usually lie up off the Aran Islands. The patrol activities and investigations which were carried out up to Monday, 28th March, indicate that about 20 French trawlers were spotted within a 20 square mile area fishing outside the six-mile limit. Local fishery vessels were spotted inside the French trawlers in an area from four to six miles out. I most confidently assure the Deputy and the House that there has been no illegal fishing by these boats.
I do not want to take up the time of the House but the Minister is not giving me the information I am seeking. This is the third time I have asked this question —how many patrol boats are operating at the moment?
It seems to be a separate question.
Within the past hour I can assure the Deputy there was an aircraft examining the position. I have already stated that the Banba was there on Monday and I presume is in the locality still
That is the only one operating?
There will be more than that and the Deputy knows it quite well.