Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 7

Written Answers. - Irish Fishing Box.

Robert Molloy

Question:

115 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Spanish and other fishing vessels which have notified his Department that they have been fishing in the Irish Box during the month of February 1996; the activities of the naval fishery protection service in Irish fishery waters during February 1996; the number of boardings of foreign vessels made during February 1996; whether it was necessary to take any action against illegal fishing in the Irish Box or elsewhere during February 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5330/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

A total of 420 fishing vessels notified the Irish control authorities that they had commenced fishing in the Irish Box in February 1996.

During that period, the naval services carried out seven fishery patrols of the exclusive fishery limits of the State. A total of 73 fishing vessels were boarded for inspection during these patrols. Fifty one of the 73 fishing vessels were foreign.

Three fishing vessels were detained for alleged breaks of fishery legislation during February 1996. Two of the three detentions related to alleged offences inside the Irish Box.