asked the Minister for Defence the steps which will be taken to provide additional equipment and men to protect the extended fishery limits; and when they will be provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection of Fishery Limits.
104.
Mr. Ryan
I am at present examining all the implications which the extension of the existing fishery limit recently agreed at the European Fisheries Conference will have in so far as protective measures are concerned.
Is the Minister aware that the full establishment of the Irish Naval Service is 513, and that there are at present less than 20 men in regular service? Is he aware that with the extension of territorial waters, we have to patrol 11,000 square miles of water and for that service there is one corvette available? Will the Minister apply himself to the emergency that has been created in regard to patrolling and the defence of our fishing rights?
I cannot accept the Deputy's figures. I have nothing further to add at this stage to what I have said by way of general reply, that the matter is having attention.