Vol. 399 No. 11
23 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to increase the presence of Naval Service vessels in fishing grounds off the southwest coast, in view of recent incidents involving the ramming of Irish fishing vessels by foreign trawlers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following reports of incidents off the south-west coast, the Naval Service mounted an intensive fisheries surveillance operation in the area in question. A number of Naval Service vessels backed up by Air Corps maritime surveillance aircraft carried out patrols in the area.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the Naval Service and the Air Corps for their prompt response and their assistance in defusing the situation. The Naval Service will continue to patrol the area as it does with all waters within our exclusive economic zone.
