asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he is aware of the surveys of herring shoals in Irish off-shore waters being conducted by a Norwegian survey team sponsored by the Norwegian Government; if his permission was sought or is necessary; and whether he will be given a copy of the report to be made to the Norwegian Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Herring Shoal Surveys.
28.
I have seen press reports that herring surveys sponsored by the Norwegian Government are taking place off the Irish coast. No such surveys are, however, being conducted inside our exclusive fishery limits and my permission does not, therefore, arise.
As regards the last part of the question, both Ireland and Norway are members of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea which was established for the purpose of co-ordinating, and providing a forum for discussion of, fishery research in the North Atlantic. I would expect, therefore, that the results of the Norwegian survey referred to would be made known to member countries of the council.