asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry in view of the large number of fishermen recently caught in the Celtic Sea for illegally fishing herring, if his Department have any proposals to ensure that they have an adequate income to meet their boat repayments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Herring Fishing.
12.
(Cavan-Monaghan): While I am more than anxious to see a reopening of the Celtic Sea herring fishery for all Irish vessels, I regret that, because of the scientific advice on which the EEC Commission acted, this is not possible at present. I was faced with the options of allowing the fishery to remain closed during the present herring season or to accept a limited opening confined to small boats using drift nets. I am sure the Deputy will agree that it would not have been in the interests of the Irish fishing industry as a whole to refuse to accept the limited opening proposed.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Government have introduced a special aid package to assist Irish fishermen in the present difficulties affecting the industry. The package includes an interest subsidy costing £1.2 million and a 5p per gallon rebate on the excise duty on fuel oil used in fishing operations costing a further £400,000. An Bord Iascaigh Mhara have also recently restructured the accounts of fishing skippers who were in arrears with their repayments.
13.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of Irish fishermen recently caught for illegal fishing.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Seventeen Irish fishermen were recently detained on suspicion of illegal herring fishing in the Celtic Sea.
As regards inland fisheries offences, I understand the regional fisheries boards are considering taking prosecutions in about 170 cases.
Are the summonses with regard to fishing for herring in the Celtic Sea being proceeded with?
(Cavan-Monaghan): Prosecutions are a matter for the Attorney General and not for my Department. As far as I know, preliminary hearings were held and the cases stand adjourned and it is proposed to serve a book of evidence.