I beg to ask the Minister for Fisheries the following question, of which I have given private notice:—Whether he is aware of the constant poaching inside the three-mile limit off the Tirconaill coast line from Killybegs to Lough Foyle by English, French and Scotch trawlers; that as a result the inshore fishing grounds have been ruined, and the local long-line fishermen are unable to follow their calling; whether he proposes to take steps to ensure efficient and constant patrol of the coast line to protect these fishing grounds.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TIRCONAILL FISHERIES.
SEAN DE FAOITE
I have received complaints of British steam trawlers fishing off the Tirconaill coast in areas where that method of fishing is prohibited by By-Laws of the Irish Fishery Authority. I have had no reports of French trawlers fishing on that part of the coast, but French lobster boats have been there from time to time. The Tirconaill coast has been patrolled as frequently as possible by the Fishery cruiser (she spent some days on two occasions there during September) and assistance has been received from the coastal patrol vessels of the Ministry of Defence. I have, within the past week, entered into an arrangement with the Minister for Defence by which a certain number of patrol boats of that Ministry will be devoted entirely to fishery protection, and I propose to have a base for one of these vessels in Tirconaill, so that there may be a constant patrol of the Tirconaill coast. In all cases, whether detected by the Government's officers, or by local fishermen, in which evidence likely to secure a conviction is forthcoming, the Ministry of Fisheries is prepared to institute proceedings.
Would the Minister say whether the various vessels engaged in these operations are fitted with wireless installations, and what is the speed of the "Helga," and how does it compare with that of vessels that are poaching?
I am not quite sure if the ordinary patrol boats are fitted with wireless. The speed of the "Helga" is some knots more than that of poaching vessels, and the speed of the patrols is also slightly greater.
Has the "Helga" wireless?
Yes.
Would the Minister consider the bringing in of legislation for the making of fines such as would preclude such poaching? Is he aware it has been asserted by English trawler captains that they would be able to pay the price of a fine after two hours' successful trawling?
Would the Minister consider the necessity of forfeiting the trawler on a second conviction?
We cannot do that legally now. We are contemplating legislation with regard to fisheries generally.
I hope the Minister will not lose sight of my suggestion to forfeit the trawlers.