Eamon Ryan
Question:37 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the State's fishery protection capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13160/03]
Written Answers. - Fishery Protection.
The State's fishery protection capability, as provided by my Department, is through the Naval Service and the Air Corps.
The Naval Service is equipped with eight vessels, comprising one helicopter carrying vessel, five offshore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. Its main day-to-day role is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. It is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the exclusive fishery limit covering 132,000 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 two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. Fishery protection activity accounts for more than 90% of all service patrol time.
The service supported by the Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft provides Ireland with an effective fishery protection service in accordance with our EU obligations and the requirements of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which has primary policy responsibility in this area. Recently a memorandum of understanding incorporating a service level agreement was concluded between the two Departments. It sets out agreed commitments in relation to fisheries protection and provides for the effective discharge of the Departments' respective obligations.
I am satisfied the service has the required assets to meet its obligations under the memorandum of understanding. There is no reason to expand the current fishery protection capability of either the Naval Service or the Air Corps and I have no plans to do so.