Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority report gives the impression that the bulk of illegal fishing is being carried out by Irish boats. While I do not defend any such illegal activity, I am aware from experience that most of those involved in the fishing sector are of the opinion that most illegal fishing is carried by non-Irish vessels. I still await replies to a number of questions I tabled on the number of verbal and written warnings issued to vessels by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and the number of prosecutions it has initiated. I understand the authority did not give any verbal or written warnings and chose instead to initiate prosecutions immediately.

The Naval Service, on the other hand, which deals mainly with foreign vessels fishing in Irish waters, issues verbal warnings first. There follows a written warning and, if necessary, a prosecution ensues thereafter. Given that 75% of the legal catch in Irish waters is being taken by non-Irish boats, we must assume illegal fishing is being carried out in at least the same proportion, and probably higher, due to the limited resources and powers the Irish protection services have on foreign vessels. According to one estimate, at least 9,000 tonnes of fish are illegally caught in our waters each year. That amounts to €45 million per year. To put that in context, the value of the demersal and pelagic catch by Irish fishermen in 2004 was €123 million. I want to bring to the attention of the House and the Minster that I am totally dissatisfied, as a representative of a coastal community, with the fact that the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is targeting Irish vessels and does not give them the opportunity of a verbal or written warning prior to prosecution.

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