I propose to take Question Nos. 7, 27, 43, 51 and 62 together.
Under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, members of the Defence Forces, not below the rank of petty officer, are sea fisheries protection officers for the purposes of that Act while serving on board Naval Service ships. Accordingly, they have statutory authority to enforce the law in relation to sea fisheries. Responsibility, however, for inland fisheries, including salmon, rests with the Central Fisheries Board under the Fisheries Act, 1980. In assisting in the implementation of salmon protection measures, the Naval Service do so in the context of rendering aid to the civil authority.
The Naval Service involvement consists of providing a Naval Service coastal patrol vessel, either LE Orla or LE Ciara, in order that the regional fishery board inspector can carry out his task of examining the licences and nets of salmon fishing vessels. A member of the Garda Síochána, not below the rank of sergeant, is also carried on board the Naval vessel to ensure that the inspector is not impeded in the exercise of his duty. If for any reason a regional fishery board inspector is not available, a salmon patrol by the Naval Service cannot take place.
The programme of salmon fishery patrols each year is planned in discussions involving the Department of the Marine, the Central Fisheries Board, the Garda Síochána and the Department of Defence, including the military and Naval authorities. It is accepted by all concerned with the protection programme that patrol plans must remain confidential and flexible. In the event, patrolling commenced on 22 instant and is still continuing.
With regard to sea fishery protection duties, Naval Service personnel, in their capacity as sea fisheries officers, act on priorities specified by the Department of the Marine and, using intelligence gathered and experience gained over the years, plan and execute sea fishery protection patrols on an ongoing basis.