asked the Minister for Fisheries if he is aware of the concern of the Irish fishermen regarding the effectiveness of fishery protection afforded them and the enforcement of fishery regulations against foreign vessels suspected of entering and fishing in this country's territorial waters and exclusive limits; if, in order to allay this concern, he will permit or arrange to have a fishermen's representative present during patrolling operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection.
7.
I am glad to have this opportunity of complimenting the Naval Service on the excellent work they are doing in protecting our fishery resources.
I am aware that some fishermen have expressed concern regarding the effectiveness of fishery protection and enforcement and have suggested that a fishermen's representative should be permitted to be present during patrolling operations. This is primarily a matter for the Minister for Defence. For my part I am fully satisfied the Naval Service are doing the best possible job in present circumstances.
Would the Minister please elaborate on the type of air and sea protection being provided, whether it is on a round-the-clock basis and the extent of such surveillance services?
It is operated on a 24-hour basis. We have a spotter plane and six boats. We will have more boats and hope to get EEC assistance for that purpose. The figures will bear me out in saying that there has been a substantial improvement in the rate of catch, as it were, by our fishery protection vessels in relation to fishery offences. Basically we have a good system but we need more boats and planes and more financial help towards achieving a full efficient protection system. We do not have this at present but the nucleus is right and we must improve it.
What extra assistance has been provided by sea and by air during the past six months?
The Deputy can await the budget and the production of the Estimates to see that.
Surely the Minister would know that.
We are operating on the Book of Estimates prepared by the previous Government.
Is the Minister personally sympathetic towards the idea of fishermen being permitted to patrol during surveillance operations and, if so, would he recommend this to his colleague, the Minister for Defence?
I have answered the Deputy fully in that matter. Candidly, I am against it. I believe the Navy have now adapted themselves into an excellent protection service. The nucleus is there and it is a question of improving it by the use of more boats and personnel and by providing more training for personnel. I do not see any practical value in having fishermen observers on these boats.