asked the Minister for Agriculture if in view of the recent renewed activities of foreign trawlers poaching in Bantry and Dunmanus Bays, and seeing that the usual patrol boats are now under the control of the Department of Defence, he will immediately establish some co-ordination with the latter Department, so that our coast watching services (afloat and ashore) may be kept more actively engaged in the important work of preventing the encroachment of these foreign boats on our native fishing grounds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Trawlers' Operations.
As explained in my reply to a recent question by another Deputy on the alleged infraction of fishery statutes and by-laws by vessels of extern nationality, all such complaints reaching my Department are transmitted promptly to the Department of Defence, which has now control of the vessels formerly commissioned as fishery cruisers. I might mention for the Deputy's information that patrol work has now been resumed. As regards co-ordination with the Department of Defence, the Deputy may take it that any advice and assistance which can be afforded by my Department will at all times be readily available and that close contact between the two Departments in regard to the matters mentioned will be maintained.