asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is aware that one protection vessel is unable to patrol the coast effectively, and whether it is the intention of his Department to purchase an additional patrol vessel for the purpose of preventing the crews of foreign trawlers from poaching within the three miles limit and violating the territorial by-laws; and, if not, what alternative steps it is proposed to take to prevent foreign marauders from filching the livelihood from fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poaching by Foreign Trawlers.
The question of the better protection of the fishing in territorial waters is at present under consideration.
I do not think the Parliamentary Secretary has really answered the question that I put to him. I asked him whether one protection vessel was sufficient to patrol the coast and what alternative steps the Department is prepared to take if there is not going to be another vessel. This matter has been under consideration since 1925. I think the reply is not a fair one in view of the fact that the matter has been under consideration for a number of years.
My answer was to the effect that the question is still under consideration. As the Deputy can well understand, this is a very big question and it requires very careful consideration. It is not a question that can be solved in a month or even a year.
The whole naval forces of the Saorstát!