Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 4

Written Answers. - Funding for Trawler Owners.

Tony Killeen

Question:

48 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the funds, if any, that are available from his Department to Irish trawler owners for the provision of equipment to enable them to detect the presence of and avoid accidents with foreign submarines. [6630/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Coveney)

I would first of all note that only three reports have been received in the last 13 years of incidents involving Irish registered fishing boats and submarines and that the last of these incidents was in 1989.

I understand that most of the difficulties which have arisen in the past in relation to submarines have related to boats fishing for demersal species. The vast majority of these boats would already have echo-sounder, sonar and radar equipment fitted.

There are no specific funds available to assist trawler owners to purchase specialist submarine detection equipment.

As regards the broader issues relating to submarine activity and the efforts which are being made to eliminate the possible threat which such operations pose to fishing vessels, I would refer the Deputy to my reply today to his colleague, Deputy Leonard's question.