asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that two French lobster boats were working off the Saltee Islands, well inside the three-mile limit, on the morning of Saturday, 14th March, and that in consequence the local fishermen of Kilmore Quay had to bring in their own lobster pots, being unprotected, and, if so, if he will state what action he has taken to protect the fishermen concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection of Wexford Fisheries.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what action he proposes to take to protect the interests of fishermen off the coast of Kilmore in the light of recent incidents brought about by the appearance of foreign trawlers inside the three-mile limit.
I think it will be more convenient if I deal with questions Nos. 25 and 26 together. The facts are as follow. On Wednesday, 18th March, a report reached my Department conveying substantially the allegations referred to in these questions. The weather conditions about that time became so bad as to preclude the immediate attendance in the Saltees area of the fishery cruiser; but the vessel has since gone to patrol that area.
Is the Minister satisfied that the steps he has taken will afford adequate protection to the fishermen in that area, and will the Minister say if he has since received a report from the captain of the Muirchu?
Is the Minister aware that local fishermen were fired on by the French lobster boats? The Minister is aware, I am sure, that the weather has not been bad since the 14th March?
Dr. Ryan
I have no official information of anybody being fired on by French trawlers.
But the Minister has information of it now.
Dr. Ryan
I hear a lot of things in this House that I do not regard as information.
Is it in order for ships from the Mediterranean to oppose sanctions?
Have any representations been made to the French Government?
Dr. Ryan
We have to verify these charges first.