asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reassurances received from the British Government that there will be no further incidents of British submarines sinking fishing trawlers in the seas off our coasts.
Written Answers. - Sinking of Fishing Trawler.
93.
Mr. Treacy
Among other matters arising from the admission of responsibility by the British authorities for the sinking of the "Sharelga" I have raised with them the question of what steps are now being taken to ensure that there is no repetition of this type of incident. They have replied that in their view the circumstances surrounding the sinking were so unusual that they considered the incident to be unique and could see no reason for recurrence. The full background to the sinking had, however, been explained to all their submarine captains. The Government's concern that there should be no repetition of an incident of this kind has been made clear to the British authorities.
94.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if procedures exist between the Irish Government and other Governments whereby advance information is supplied on the presence of submarines and other vessels that are a danger to Irish fishing trawlers in their customary fishing grounds.
A government normally gives advance warning to shipping when its naval forces organise manoeuvres on the high seas.
It is customary also for the owners to issue a mariner notice in regard to the movements of a vessel when it is anticipated that the vessel may create a particular hazard such as serious pollution. In the ordinary way, however, there is no procedure for advance information on shipping movements.