asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the nuisance at present caused by the obstructive and predatory tactics of foreign trawlers in regard to Irish fishing boats and if he will ensure that adequate steps are taken forthwith by naval units to render assistance to combat this nuisance and to protect the rights of Irish fishermen particularly off the west coast of Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Operations of Foreign Trawlers.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that a corvette is based at Galway owing to the number of complaints from fishermen along the western seaboard concerning the havoc wrought by foreign trawlers on the fishing grounds within territorial waters.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.
Everything possible is being done by the Naval Service to protect the rights of Irish fishermen but it should be realised that, with the few vessels at our disposal and the need for training of personnel and refitment of corvettes, the amount of time which a vessel can spend along any section of our long coastline must be very limited.
A corvette is, however, at present investigating allegations made concerning the damage caused by foreign trawlers.
I wonder, in this connection, would the Parliamentary Secretary inquire of the Minister for Defence whether the question of requesting the Air Force to perform occasional patrols in the course of training exercises has yet been considered by the Defence authorities?
I cannot answer that question but I will bring the matter to the Minister's attention.