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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 5

Written Answers. - Naval Service.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

128 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if there is undue concentration by the Naval Service on fishery control on Irish fishing effort within Irish territorial waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4778/03]

The main day to day role of the Naval Service, which is equipped with a total of eight vessels comprising one helicopter carrying vessel, five off-shore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels, is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the exclusive fishery limit, which covers an area of 132,000 square miles. Of this, Irish territorial waters comprise 15,000 square miles. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. Fishery protection patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps in the form of aerial surveillance by the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. Fishery protection activity accounts for more than 90% of all Naval Service patrol time and I have been advised that there is no undue concentration by the Naval Service on fishery control regarding the Irish fishing effort within Irish territorial waters.

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