§ 22. Mr. BOLANDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether trawlers continue to operate inside and outside the old three-mile limit off the coast of Ballinskelligs; and what steps have been taken to bring 1342 to the notice of the skippers of these trawlers the fact that the Prohibited Areas Trawling Act has been put into force?
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture, Ireland)No reports of the illegalities referred to in the question have been received by the Department. Since the date of the last reply to a question of the hon. Member on this subject, steps have been taken to obtain the permission of the postal authorities to the posting of notices in local post offices calling attention to the provisions of the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Prevention Act, 1909. During the last three weeks the area in question has been patrolled by the Department's steam cruiser.
§ Mr. BOLANDHow much longer will the "Helga" remain in these waters?
§ Mr. RUSSELLIn justice to other parts of Ireland, the "Helga" cannot remain any longer.
§ Mr. BOLANDWhat steps will be taken when the "Helga" goes to see that these trawlers do not renew their operations of an illegal character?
§ Mr. RUSSELLMy answer to that is this: If fishermen in these ports would assist the Department by going out in their boats and getting the number of the trawler, prosecution could follow.
§ Mr. BOLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the "Helga" is away these trawlers cover up their numbers, and the fishermen cannot find out what the numbers are?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI am bound to say I have not heard of it.
§ Mr. BOLANDIt is so.
§ Mr. O'DONNELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these trawlers ride through the nets of the fishermen and destroy them?