asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry how it is proposed to control fishing by foreign trawlers inside our fishing limitations; and if he has satisfied himself that there are adequate resources available to the State to protect our valuable fishing stocks.

: The control of fishing by foreign trawlers other than those of members States of the EEC inside the exclusive fishery limits of the State is exercised by means of licences issued by the EEC. Under the recently agreed Common Fisheries Policy the vessels of member States may fish in the area outside 12 miles with limited access between six and 12 miles but each member State is subject to quota restrictions for certain species. Fishing operations within the exclusive fishery limits of the State are monitored by the Naval Service working in close co-operation with the Air Corps. The surveillance service will be augmented by the addition of a helicopter-bearing vessel next year, and I am satisfied that the addition of this further facility will provide adequate resources for the fishery surveillance service.

: Can the Minister honestly say he is satisfied that we have both in the EEC and in our own resources adequate services to check the stocks or the amount of fish being taken out? In the case of third countries what is the method of checking the quantity of fish taken out? Is it at the port of landing in the third country?

: A subsequent reply will outline the measures taken to check all catches in other countries. Within the resources available to us I am satisfied the facilities we have are as good as could be expected. Naturally I would prefer if more money could be made available to provide better surveillance in our waters.

: Are the same checks kept on boats from member states as are kept on foreign boats? Is there any differentiation between the checks kept?

: As far as I know there is not. Many of the member states are working within strict quota limits in our waters.

: How are these checks carried out? Is there a spot check from time to time? Is there any co-operation between other member states and ourselves in relation to stocks?

: Adherence to regulations and restrictions are enforced by the Naval Service in co-operation with the Air Corps.

: I can understand a situation where a spot check is carried out by the Air Corps. How can we find out the amount of fish which may be on a trawler?

: The question refers to the control of fishing. There are ways and means of checking the amount of fish on board a vessel if it is boarded. There are regulations in force under the common fisheries policy for dealing with checks at home ports to ascertain whether boats are staying within EEC regulations.