Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - Fishing Regulations.

Ivor Callely

Question:

44 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate policing measures in place to ensure fishing regulations are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7978/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I can assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that all fishing regulations are adhered to in Irish waters.

Clearly it is of critical importance to ensure that the national fisheries protection capability is adequate and is deployed as efficiently and effectively as possible. In furtherance of this objective I am endeavouring to secure maximum EU financial support for the additional capital and operational resources considered necessary to support and expand our surveillance programmes at sea and on land.

As the Deputy will be aware since the beginning of this year, vessels fishing in the "Irish Box" are required to give prior notice of their entry into and exit from these waters. The entry-exit data when combined with the data coming from the Air Corps CASA patrols will result in a more focused and cost effective deployment of naval patrol vessels.

Further Community controls will apply from the end of 1997 in the form of a catch reporting system which will require vessels to transmit details of the quantities and species of fish on board when they enter and exit our waters. In the light of these ongoing developments, I am satisfied that Ireland's protection capability will be able to cope with the task of enforcing fishing regulations and that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the protection of the fish stocks in our waters.