§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what staff and vessels exist for the surveillance and protection of Northern Ireland fisheries; and what co-operation is extended by the Irish Republic, particularly in the Foyle area.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe Royal Navy inshore fishery protection squadron, consisting of between 8 and 10 "Ton" class minesweepers, carries out fishery protection duties in inshore waters around the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. The fisheries inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland works in close co-operation with the Royal Navy and with the fisheries inspectorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. When the Royal Navy is patrolling waters adjacent to Northern Ireland, an inspector from the Department of Agriculture is on board the patrol vessel.
Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic exchange information on fishing activities in the vicinity of fishery limits between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In the Foyle area responsibility for protecting fisheries rests with the Foyle Fisheries Commission, a joint Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland body. The commission, which is working under very difficult circumstances, has the support and co-operation of the security forces on both sides of the border.