Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:30 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the arrangements for liaison between his Department and the Department of Defence and/or the Naval Service in dealing with illegal fishing.
Written Answers. - Illegal Fishing.
Close co-operation on an ongoing basis exists between both Departments to ensure the optimum effectiveness of the national sea fisheries protection effort. This co-operation includes: the drawing up at the beginning of each year of a control programme for the year ahead, which programme is reviewed periodically; regular meetings between both Departments to monitor progress and exchange views and information; and close contact at operational level, on a daily basis where necessary. These arrangements, which are working satisfactorily at present, are kept under constant review.