(Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the present position in relation to exploratory fishing inside (a) our fishing limits and (b) EEC waters.
Written Answers. - Exploratory Fishing.
417.
Permission for exploratory fishing by foreign boats within the exclusive fishery limits of the State is arranged by the Department of Foreign Affairs in consultation with my Department and other Departments concerned. Exploratory fishing by Irish vessels within the exclusive fishery limits of other member states of the EEC is arranged by the Department of Foreign Affairs in consultation with the member state concerned.
At present four foreign boats (all British) have permission to carry out exploratory fishing in our waters. There is no Irish vessel engaged in exploratory fishing outside our waters at present. One Irish vessel was, however, granted a facility to operate in British waters in April and June of this year.