Vol. 448 No. 7
96 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to concerns being expressed by the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation that Spanish fishermen have threatened to sink Irish trawlers which use gill nets for tuna fishing; and the action, if any, he will take. [2842/95]
I am fully aware of the concerns expressed by the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation.
Irish fishing vessels are legally entitled to participate in the tuna fishery subject to compliance with the EU regulatory limit on drift net length of 2.5km. This fishery is largely conducted in international waters, off the Bay of Biscay and some 500 miles from the Irish coast.
The Naval Service undertook patrols in the fishery last year for a period during the high season to monitor compliance with EU regulations and to deter possible harassment of the Irish fleet. I am currently reviewing arrangements for the operation of the tuna fishery this year in consultation with the fishing industry and, as necessary, the European Commission and other member states.
I would emphasise that reported threats of the kind to which the Deputy refers are viewed very seriously. These are being investigated and if they are substantiated I will not hesitate to convey our strong concern to the relevant authorities.
