asked the Minister for Defence the procedure which is followed when a foreign vessel with fish aboard is taken into custody inside Irish territorial waters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Apprehension of Foreign Vessels.
81.
Is Deputy Dowling here to ask his question?
Anybody can do it for him.
Deputy Cunningham has indicated that he is asking the question.
The procedure followed in any case where a foreign sea-fishing boat is taken into port under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959, is as laid down in that Act.
Does the Act provide that in the case of fishing boats the boats, nets and other gear in the boats can be seized and confiscated and then released on payment of very large fines?
The position is that under the Act and other laws it is probably possible to do some of the things the Deputy has mentioned, but it is a highly technical situation and it would be quite wrong for me to describe the exact legal position. That is why I gave the reply I have given.
Could the Minister indicate whether in the event of a foreign vessel being found within our territory in unlawful possession of goods other than fish——
The question concerns fish and fish only.
I am inquiring whether similar procedure is available to the authorities in relation to goods other than fish.
I cannot answer that. It is a different question.
I should have thought the Minister would be rather familiar with the law on that subject.
Certain matters are sub judice and certain people should not raise matters like this.
This question deals with fishing boats, and if materials other than fish, fishing gear or anything else—and it might often happen that a fishing boat carries more than fish——
This question concerns fish. I am calling question No. 82.