asked the Minister for the Marine the reason beam-trawlers of all other EC countries can fish within the six mile limit when Irish trawlers must be outside the 12 mile limit.
Written Answers. - Fishing Limit.
81.
Rights to fish by beam-trawlers in the areas referred to are governed by EC regulations relating to the nationality and size (engines or beams) of these trawlers. The position at the moment which is quite different from that implied in the Deputy's question, is as follows:
—All beam-trawlers irrespective of nationality must stay outside the 12 mile limit if their engines or beams exceed prescribed sizes. Foreign beam-trawlers complying with specified criteria may fish within the 12 miles limit on certain parts of the coast but may not fish anywhere within the 6 mile limit which is reserved exclusively to Irish vessels.
—Irish beam trawlers complying with the criteria may fish anywhere within the 12 mile limit on any part of the coast.