Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Defence if Irish naval officers can board vessels in the hours of darkness. [35310/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Every boarding of a vessel at sea carries inherent dangers. Due to the nature of the operating environment and the individuality of vessels operating off our shores, each boarding operation is unique. A professional judgment is made in every instance by the Officer in Charge having regard to all factors including weather and sea conditions.

Of paramount importance to the conduct of all routine fisheries inspections is the safety of Naval inspection/boarding personnel, the safety of personnel of the vessel undergoing inspection and the safety of Naval boarding craft crew. Every reasonable effort is made to mitigate the dangers involved. Available daylight, whilst a factor, would not be the single determining factor. Fisheries boardings are regularly carried out by the Naval Service during the hours of darkness.