asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to the attempt made by Donegal fishermen to prevent foreign trawlers from operating illegally near Malin, County Donegal, and if he is aware that this incident arises from the situation referred to previously in the Dáil; has he now completed his inquiries, and what action does he propose to take in order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Trawlers' Operations.
I am aware that many complaints have recently come to hand relative to the activities of foreign vessels which have apparently been fishing within our exclusive fishery limits off the coast of Donegal and am continuing to do everything possible with the means at my disposal to cope with the situation. The Gárda Síochána, who are very active in combating these illegalities, have within the past few days arrested one of the offending vessels in that area. I have received a full report on the earlier incident referred to in the question, and will have it made available to the Deputy should he wish to see it.
Would it be correct to say that the exchange of shots which took place off the Malin coast was the direct consequence of the question I put to the Minister, which, apparently, disturbed him in his slumbers? Is it true that the incident between the armed Guards and the trawler arose directly or indirectly out of the state of affairs which the Minister stated he was not aware of when I drew his attention to it?
Dr. Ryan
There was no exchange of shots.
Surely shots were fired by the Gárda Síochána?
Dr. Ryan
There was no exchange of shots.
Is it true that that action was taken as a result of the situation to which I drew the Minister's attention while he was peacefully sleeping?
Dr. Ryan
I am afraid the Deputy has an exaggerated idea of his own importance.
But not of your somnolence.