asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement regarding the fact that vans for official use of fishery officers in the north western board area are grounded in Ballina, County Mayo because of lack of funding for fuel; the way in which he expects fishery officers to carry out their duties if such is the case; his views on whether it is appropriate that these inspectors should be confined to base while illegal activities are carried on relative to fishing business in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fishery Officers' Vans.
135.
The North Western Regional Fisheries Board have responsibility for the utilisation and deployment of all the resources both staff and financial which are at their disposal for the protection and development of fisheries in the region.
I am aware that the board are experiencing difficulties in providing a satisfactory protection service due to the limited financial resources available to them at the present time. I am confident, however, that the board are doing all in their power to meet their responsibilities in the matter and to provide an adequate protection service.