I would like to inform the Deputy that I have discussed alleged ramming incidents involving Irish and Spanish fishing vessels in the waters off the south-west coast with my Spanish counterpart. I have also written to my French and Spanish ministerial colleagues expressing my concern at the danger presented to life and property by such incidents. The response of the Spanish authorities to the concerns voiced by me was that they were anxious to help in the matter and would not hesitate to take action against Spanish nationals in situations where it could be shown that they had been culpable. I have also raised this topic at the most recent EC Fisheries Council meeting on 18 April 1991 as is my practice at all such meetings with my EC colleagues.
The "rules of the road" for ships moving in our territorial waters are contained in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, which are enshrined in domestic legislation. The Irish regulations do not, however, apply to foreign registered vessels where the incident occurs outside territorial waters. The incidents referred to by the Deputy occurred outside territorial waters. In the circumstances the only option open to me is to report to the maritime authority of the flag state concerned and to ask them to pursue the matter and this I have done.
At present in cases of collisions involving an Irish and a foreign vessel outside territorial waters the appropriate form of redress is by way of a civil action and I understand that this avenue is being pursued in the case of some recent incidents.
Naturally I am anxious that the law be strengthened in this area and have asked the Attorney General to study this complex area of maritime law to see if any means can be found of overcoming the difficulty.