I have received reports of damage to fishermen's crab pots and other equipment caused allegedly by the fishing activities of large trawlers operating off the west coast in contravention of their licensing conditions.
These reports are being investigated actively by my Department in order to establish the full facts of the matter. In this regard my officials met with representatives of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation and the Killala Fishermen's Co-operative. In addition, my officials are meeting officials of the Department of Defence today on the question of the provision of effective enforcement by the Naval Service in the area. When I have examined the reports of these meetings I will take whatever action is considered necessary to ensure that the problem is resolved.