Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 2

Written Answers. - South Western Regional Fisheries Board.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

80 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine whether his attention has been drawn to the frustration felt by Officers of the South Western Regional Fisheries Board arising from lack of finance being provided by the Government, the results of which are an inadequate number of permanent officers to protect inland waterways from Ballycotton to Kerry Head and to patrol almost 500 miles of coastline, no sea patrols having been undertaken since the beginning of the commercial season almost four months ago and no proper training for part-time fishery officers who frequently are expected to give evidence in Court against those with whom, during the closed season, they stand side by side in the dole queue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

I am fully aware of the need to ensure that the Regional Fisheries Boards, including the South Western Board, have adequate resources to enable them to fulfil their functions.

I regard the securing of additional staff for the fishery boards as being a very high priority and I expect to be in a position shortly to announce progress in this regard.

I should point out, however, that while the protection of salmon and sea trout stocks is a matter for the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards under the fisheries legislation, their efforts are augmented each year by the Naval Service who provide vessels to patrol the fishing areas.

Extensive training is provided both for permanent and temporary staff and in particular for sea going officers.