Vol. 431 No. 8
108 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, he proposes to take before the end of 1993 to protect Irish white fish stocks; and if he will seek additional EC assistance for the expansion of the Irish navy fishery protection role.
The protection of all fish stocks, including white fish stocks, in Irish waters is a top priority for the State's fishery control services both on land and on sea. The sea fisheries officers of the Department of the Marine, the Naval Service and the Air Corps are continuously upgrading their monitoring and control programmes to ensure greater protection for the valuable fish resources in our waters.
The European Community is making a sizeable contribution towards the provision of essential monitoring equipment. As I explained in response to similar questions from Deputies Harney and Barrett on 6 April 1993, a substantial five-year capital investment programme, designed to enhance the effectiveness of Ireland's fisheries surveillance services commenced in 1991. The total package, at a cost of £34 million was approved for EC aid at a rate of 50 per cent.
Under this programme a range of new monitoring equipment, including fixedwing aircraft for the Air Corps and communications and data handling equipment for the Naval Service and the Department of the Marine is being acquired. In addition there is provision for the acquisition of inshore surveillance boats.
