asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to set up a special coastguard service for fishery protection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection.
9.
No. In accordance with long established policy, fishery protection is one of the peace time tasks assigned to the Naval Service. No change in this arrangement is proposed.
Having regard to the fact that the whole question of fishery protection is now more complex and that greater involvement is necessary in protection, would the Minister not accept that it is necessary to have some kind of central control to direct the operation of these services?
It is not proposed to make any change in this regard. The Naval Service are competent, very capable and highly efficient in discharging these duties. Fishery protection is one of their peacetime tasks. It is a duty that they discharge with distinction and credit.
I am not trying in any way to reflect on the capabilities of the naval authorities but in view of the fact that aeroplanes are now involved in fishery protection would it not be better to have one central controlling agency under the aegis of the Department of Defence?
I would not accept that.