asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the assault on Donegal fishermen from Glengad by the personnel of the trawler Tsar FD 69; and what action he proposes to take to prevent a repetition of such activities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alleged Assault on Fishermen.
According to the Shipping Register the name of the vessel numbered FD. 69 is the Daily Chronicle, but there is also on that Register a vessel called the Iser, numbered FD. 79. I have no information as to any of our fishermen having been assaulted by the crew of either of these vessels or of any other vessel.
The vessel I referred to was the "Iser." Is the Minister unaware that I gave him the information he required a week ago in this House? I gave him the number and the name of the vessel and, despite the imbecile laughter of the Minister for Industry and Commerce, the Minister for Agriculture has had time, since then, to ascertain whether my facts were as set out or not. Does the Minister think that he is doing his duty to the House in saying that he has no information to give me, when I gave him the particulars a week ago? At least, he will admit that, as a result of the information I gave him, there is an obligation on him to investigate the matter?
Dr. Ryan
I think the Deputy will admit that there is a question of a breach of the peace here, and that therefore it is more a matter for the Minister for Justice than for me.
Surely, if an allegation is made in good faith, about an abuse, and if the Minister is satisfied that it is a matter for the Minister for Justice, the duty devolves upon the Minister for Agriculture to draw the attention of the Minister for Justice to that abuse and ask him to make whatever investigations are necessary? At least, I think that he ought to make whatever investigations my question would suggest. Will the Minister, at least, undertake to make local inquiries?
Dr. Ryan
No Minister can undertake to make inquiries into all the Deputy's allegations.
Let us leave jesting aside for the moment. Will the Minister undertake to make local inquiries on foot of the information I gave him? Will he make local inquiries which, so far, he has failed to do?
Dr. Ryan
Those inquiries are being made.
Very good.