Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 6

Written Answers. - Fishing Fleet Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

74 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has consulted with the Department of Defence in relation to the protection of fishermen at sea; the proposals, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14376/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I will not tolerate illegal interference with the legitimate activities of Irish fishermen. Irish fishing boats must be able to go about their business without having their safety put at risk by acts of harassment or intimidation, and I will take all steps necessary to ensure that they are able to do so.

At my request, a rapid reporting and response system for incidents between fishing boats was instituted by my Department, in co-operation with the Department of Defence, last year. This system, which is based on the notification of incidents to the Marine Emergency Service (IMES) of my Department, facilitates a rapid and appropriate response by mobilising available air or sea resources to the scene very quickly. My Department is also engaged in ongoing liaison with the Department of Defence, the Naval Service and the Air Corps with a view to ensuring the most effective surveillance and control of the activities of all fishing vessels in these waters.

Work is in progress also to prevent incidents between fishing vessels. At my request, and following meetings with the French Fisheries Ministry, representatives of the Irish and French fishing industries have been meeting to develop codes of practice which would facilitate peaceful co-existence in fishing grounds off our coast. I will be urging all concerned to bring this work to finality as quickly as possible.

The position in relation to incidents between fishing vessels which occur outside Irish territorial waters is being examined also. The Attorney General's office has been asked to advise definitely, as soon as possible, as to the powers of the Irish authorities in respect of such incidents, and on the possibilities within the framework of international law for adopting new powers for dealing with occurrences of this nature.