Vol. 324 No. 6
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if, in view of the serious financial difficulties experienced by many fishermen over the past two years, he will now take a decision to open the Celtic Sea for herring fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
3.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will ensure that the Celtic Sea herring fishery is opened to Irish fishermen immediately, taking into account the dire financial difficulties they are experiencing at present.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
The question of re-opening of the Celtic Sea herring fishery is a matter for decision by the Council of Fishery Ministers of the EEC. Despite unfavourable scientific opinion I have been pressing for a limited opening of the fishery this year in the interests of local fishermen and will continue to do so.
If there is not agreement from the Council of Ministers on this subject would the Minister be prepared to take unilateral action?
On the basis of scientific advice that would be a very difficult thing to do. Our whole interest is in the conservation of fishing stocks. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and the Scientific and Technical Committee of the European Commission advise that we should continue with the closure of the Celtic Sea in regard to herring fishing in order to enhance and rehabilitate the herring stocks there. It is very hard to go against that advice in an international sense. I fully realise the hardships involved but that is the situation. Certainly, in the last analysis, stock preservation and conservation is all important as far as the Irish fisherman is concerned.
The Minister must be confident that the stocks will stand up to a limited amount of fishing——
A question, Deputy, please.
Otherwise why has he asked the Council of Ministers to allow a limited re-opening?
We feel that a limited opening at this stage would be justified — that is our opinion — but the scientific information does not sustain that view. Our view is coloured largely by reason of our interest in the Irish fishermen themselves and the need to restore their income situation which has been lost. However, scientists do not agree with this.
Is it not the case that scientific surveys have proved that the herring stocks have increased but that the main problem is that it was open to the entire EEC who over-fished such stocks? Would the Minister not agree that what should be done now is that a certain zone for Irish fishermen only should be reopened in the Celtic Sea?
That is a separate matter.
One ties in with the other.
I know, and there is a question on that aspect later.
A final supplementary from Deputy Begley.
Is the Minister aware of the very serious concern felt amongst southern fishermen, particularly Kerry, Cork and Waterford, that the corvette fired at an Irish trawler, damaging it, and yet allowed a Dutch trawler to fish ad lib quite close to the former?
The record of the Irish Naval Service has been totally objective and impartial in regard to the apprehension of all offenders in regard to fishery laws and regulations whether they be Irish or non-Irish. That has been their record and I want to place that on record quite clearly.
Is the Minister telling the House that the Irish Navy did not fire at an Irish trawler and yet allowed a Dutch trawler to fish ad lib? Yes or no?
Question No. 4, please.
The Irish navy have dealt impartially with all offenders in regard to our fishery laws.
The Minister should answer the question, as I called, Question No. 4.
A Cheann Comhairle, I protest in the strongest possible manner against this. I am entitled to ask a question which refers specifically to the livelihood of the Irish fishermen. I want to know how is the Dutch catch monitored.
My Department has set up only one advisory body, the Wildlife Advisory Council——
There is no doubt about it, a Cheann Comhairle, you are making a right job of the Chair. It will catch up with you; do not worry.
