asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date in the matters discussed with him by the Greencastle fishermen's deputation which he met in connection with the destruction of salmon nets by a British naval vessel in Lough Foyle.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Nets Destruction.
27.
Two main problems were discussed at the meeting to which the Deputy refers.
First, on the question of compensation for damage caused to the nets of the fishermen, I am awaiting information on the progress of their claims for compensation against the Northern Ireland authorities. Meanwhile, I have made known to the British authorities my concern that the fishermen should receive whatever compensation is due to them.
Secondly, I have also raised with the British authorities the more general question of achieving in the Foyle Fisheries and adjoining Northern Ireland conservancy board areas an arrangement regarding access to fishing grounds, which would be acceptable to all interested parties and which would prevent the recurrence of this type of incident. This is currently the subject of negotiations. There are no developments in this connection of which I could usefully make the Deputy aware but he may be assured that every effort will be made to reach such an agreement before the next season.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that leaving this matter until the next fishing season is not adequate? Does he not agree that every effort should be made to have the matters at issue dealt with, namely, compensation from the fishing authorities on the other side and compensation by the British Government for the loss of nets damaged and so on? Further, does he not agree that these matters should be clarified immediately?
If the Minister were here, I am sure he would agree that the sooner outstanding claims are cleared up the better. The information I have been given is to the effect that at the meeting with the fishermen to which the Deputy's question alludes the importance of supplying detailed affidavits was stressed by the departmental side because of a conflict between the British version and that of the fishermen with regard to the incidents and an offer to brief counsel for the fishermen was made. The Department contacted the secretary of the fishermen's association on 1st October and were informed that their solicitor would forward information on their claim. I am told there is little further help we can give the fishermen in the matter of claims for compensation unless the solicitor contacts the Department as requested.