asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that this country's jurisdiction over, and enjoyment of, the fisheries of the River Foyle and Lough Foyle is now being seriously reduced by the action of the Six County fishery authority, which is steadily extending its jurisdiction over the Foyle fisheries area to the detriment of our fishermen who have fished these waters until recent years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foyle Fisheries.
12.
I am not aware of any developments which would substantiate the charges contained in the question.
Does the Minister not recall some time in the early part of the year meeting a deputation from along the Foyle when, among other matters, this was discussed? Is he not further aware that in the fishermen's Almanac, which is regarded as the bible in so far as these matters are concerned, different editions in different years show what I maintain is the truth—that the Six Counties fishery authority is gradually closing right across the Donegal coast and that fishermen from Greencastle and right up the Foyle, who down the years enjoyed salmon fishing right across the Derry coastline, not only are not now allowed there but in fact have been prosecuted on many occasions and their gear, boats and so on seized?
The Deputy and I are both aware of the problem here. I am very sympathetic concerning the Greencastle situation, particularly where traditional rights have been exercised up the Derry coast outside the Foyle area. The question of these rights and, in my view, the legitimate claim to them, having regard to the traditional exercise of these rights by the fishermen concerned, is being pursued at the moment by the Minister for Foreign Affairs with the British Government with a view to establishing the situation. Discussions have taken place. We have not yet reached agreement but I shall keep the Deputy informed because I share his concern.
While these discussions are taking place, might I ask the Minister if he could ensure that the encroachment already by British gunboats in that area should cease forthwith and the status quo ante be allowed to stand until agreement has been reached, if it can be reached. Those fishermen have been cleared out of this area and there is no reason why they should be, unless might is right.
I acknowledge that there is a problem. The matter is being pursued. I shall bring what the Deputy has said to the notice of my colleagues.
But can the Minister not intervene or intercede at this stage? A reasonable interim arrangement or holding operation would be that matters be allowed to continue as they were before the encroachment began while discussions and negotiations are going on to try to reach an acceptable settlement for both sides. Why should our fishermen be at a loss and others have the gain while discussions go on?
I shall take up that aspect of the matter with my colleague. Negotiations are being conducted at the moment by the Minister for Foreign Affairs with the British Foreign Office.
I had a question down about six months ago on that very point, that Irish fishermen be allowed to operate inside a line from Inishowen Head to Rathlin Island and I got a dismissive answer that there were no grounds at all——
That is a statement.
I cannot understand the Minister's statement today.
Why not? I was answering a question by Deputy Blaney.
The Minister said the very opposite.
If the Deputy checks the two replies he will find that there is nothing contradictory in them.
Question No. 13.
Will the Minister accept that this is a matter upon which our Government were insistent when in office and gave no ground? Could he indicate why the matter has slipped back in this way since then because the position as I recall it—and there is always a problem of a possible deficiency of memory—was that we established clearly the position and the rights of Irish vessels in this area and when they were interfered with we took the strongest measures which led to a cessation of the interference.
The Deputy is altogether wrong in his recollection. This matter arose during his period as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Yes, and we took very strong measures to stop it and see that there was no interference.
The Deputy did nothing as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I am very sorry to say, and the file shows this. I am very fond of the Deputy and I am not going to pursue this any further.
The Minister is saying what he knows is not true in regard to the position and I fear the Minister does this too often for the satisfaction of this House.