I will not tolerate illegal interference with the legitimate activities of Irish fishermen. Irish fishing boats must be able to go about their business without having their safety put at risk by acts of harassment or intimidation, and I will take all steps necessary to ensure that they are able to do so.
At my request, a rapid reporting and response system for incidents between fishing boats was instituted by my Department, in co-operation with the Department of Defence, last year. This system, which is based on the notification of incidents to the Marine Emergency Service (IMES) of my Department, facilitates a rapid and appropriate response by mobilising available air or sea resources to the scene very quickly. My Department is also engaged in ongoing liaison with the Department of Defence, the Naval Service and the Air Corps with a view to ensuring the most effective surveillance and control of the activities of all fishing vessels in these waters.