Vol. 491 No. 7
75 Mr. McGrath 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]
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.
