Dáil debates

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate

Maritime Jurisdiction

6:45 pm

Photo of Peter BurkePeter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I want to say to the people involved and their families that they have protection under the law. That is very clear. All Deputies will appreciate that when an investigation is ongoing into an incident, I, as Minister of State, cannot comment on it or offer any view on what the determination of that investigation might be. I must be independent and I am precluded from getting involved in any such commentary. It is the same in regard to any incident that happens onshore, involving the Garda Síochána, the Director of Public Prosecutions or other independent actors in the State. As I said, this is a matter for the Irish control authorities under the Sea-Fisheries Maritime Jurisdiction Act. I gave details in terms of the actions of the Naval Service in detaining the boat for alleged breaches of fishing regulations. An investigation into the incident will take place, as I indicated.

I will raise the Deputy's points regarding resources with the Minister. However, I must be very clear that there is an area into which we, as the Houses of the Oireachtas, cannot stray in respect of specific incidents and making determinations on them. I cannot get involved in any such determinations. I hear the Deputy's frustration. I want to say to the families involved that I acknowledge that an incident like this is hugely distressing. It is their livelihood we are talking about and we, as a State, have a duty to protect them. I absolutely acknowledge that. The law is robust and I assure the Deputy the matter will be investigated.

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