Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 2

Written Answers. - Arrest of Vessels.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

146 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine the foreign fishing vessels arrested by Ireland's fishery protection unit during 1995; the progress, if any, made to prevent persistent offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11109/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

Out of 55 vessels detained by the fisheries protection services during 1995 for various fishing offices, 39 were foreign fishing vessels.

A number of foreign vessels fishing in our waters have been previously convicted of fishery offences. Some of our own fleet also have previous convictions. The penalties under Irish law for fishery infringements are among the toughest in Europe. Vessels which repeatedly commit offences are subject to severe penalties which may include confiscation.

Our control and enforcement regime and related penalties are paying dividends. Boardings have increased and, proportionately, the number of detentions has declined. The policy of cracking down hard on non-compliance will continue as will our efforts to ensure that other member states put a stop to their boats offending, or reoffending, in EU waters.