Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 7

Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Protection.

John Perry

Question:

70 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in relation to recent difficulties that the Irish Navy has experienced in protecting our fishery rights. [9290/98]

Michael Ring

Question:

72 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the manning levels on our navy patrol vessels. [9293/98]

Jim Mitchell

Question:

73 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the actions, if any, he intends to take to ensure the Navy is in a position to provide adequate surveillance on our coastline and to support the Department of Marine and Natural Resources in its fishing protection work. [9085/98]

Alan Shatter

Question:

75 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the manning levels on our navy patrol vessels. [9296/98]

Michael Ring

Question:

88 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the manning levels on our navy patrol vessels. [9294/98]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

97 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, he intends to take to ensure that the Naval Service will be in a better position to come to the aid of Irish fishing vessels which may be subject to harassment or intimidation; the additional legal powers, if any, he intends to seek for the Naval Service in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9252/98]

John Perry

Question:

110 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in relation to recent difficulties that the Irish Navy have experienced in protecting our fishery rights. [9289/98]

Alan Shatter

Question:

118 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the manning levels on our navy patrol vessels. [9295/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 72, 73, 75, 88, 97, 110 and 118. together.

Arising from recent allegations of harassment of Irish fishing vessels off the south west coast, I had a meeting on 8 April 1998 with my colleague the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. At that meeting measures were agreed which are aimed at ensuring an effective and rapid response to any incidents involving harassment or endangerment of fishing vessels. To this end, it was decided that the Irish Marine Emergency Service IMES, will be the first point of contact for fishermen when an incident occurs. IMES will immediately contact the Naval Service and Air Corps and the appropriate resources will then be deployed to effect a response so that a deterrent presence is on the scene as quickly as possible. I understand that a marine notice on these arrangements is being prepared.

It was agreed also that officials will review, as a matter of urgency, with the Office of the Attorney General, the adequacy of the existing powers of the State under fisheries, maritime safety and international legal codes in respect of incidents of this nature, which usually occur outside Irish territorial waters.

I understand that the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources is also seeking the active co-operation of other member states in ensuring the highest standards of behaviour on fishing grounds and in promoting the avoidance of conflict between fishermen operating on the same fishing grounds with different types of gear. The aim will be the putting in place of codes of practice between the fishermen of the member states concerned.

The question of manning levels for the Naval Service is kept under constant review in the light of operational requirements. It is intended that there will be an intake of 50 recruits to the service this year.

The Naval Service is equipped with a total of seven vessels comprising one helicopter vessel, four offshore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. At present six vessels are operational and one is undergoing refit. In December 1997 a contract was placed for the supply of a new fishery protection patrol vessel, FPPV, which is due to be delivered in September 1999.