asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if the question of compensation for the sinking of the Clogherhead fishing trawler on 18 April 1982 is being pursued by the Government.
Written Answers. - Compensation for Sinking of Trawler.
259.
As announced by the Minister for Transport on 1 May 1982, the British Ministry of Defence has accepted full liability for the incident and has undertaken to pay all fair and reasonable claims arising.
Following the loss of the fishing vessel and in order to facilitate the skipper and his crew to recommence fishing I arranged with BIM to offer the skipper the use of a newer and larger vessel on charter at favourable terms. I took this step in view of the exceptional circumstances of the case.
The skipper did not, however, find the vessel suitable to his needs and BIM are endeavouring, as a matter of urgency, to find a suitable replacement vessel for him.