Ms Margaret Stanley:

Perhaps I could answer this question in the context of the particular case that was raised at the beginning of this session. There was mention of a Ghanaian individual who had been put to shore. I am advised that while engaged in a four week long maritime security and defence patrol, a boarding party from the LÉ William Butler Yeatsboarded a UK-registered fishing vessel on 8 May 2017. It was a routine fisheries inspection of the vessel. During the boarding, a crew member of Ghanaian nationality stated to the naval crew that he wanted to leave the fishing vessel and be brought ashore. I also understand that he stated he had hurt his back. It was relayed from the captain of the LÉ William Butler Yeatsto the skipper of the ship via the boarding officer that if the skipper felt the injuries claimed by the crew member merited it, he should either proceed ashore and disembark the individual or consider requesting a helicopter medical evacuation. As members will understand, the skipper of a fishing vessel is responsible for his crew and all persons on board. In this instance, the skipper indicated to the boarding party that he would be proceeding to land the following day and the individual could leave. At that point, the boarding by the Naval Service was completed with no further incident and the LÉ William Butler Yeatsleft the area and continued on with its maritime patrol.