asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of (a) Spanish vessels apprehended by the protection services in 1982; (b) convictions and fines imposed; (c) Spanish skippers if any, awaiting trial; (d) fishing vessels other than Irish fishing vessels apprehended in 1982 for illegal fishing; the fines imposed; and if any of these skippers are awaiting trial.

: During 1982, 32 Spanish vessels were arrested by the Naval Service for suspected illegal fishing or associated offences. Twenty-five of the skippers involved were convicted which resulted in £683,000 in fines and forfeiture of value of fish and gear. Charges were not preferred by the Attorney General against the skippers of two of the arrested Spanish vessels because of insufficient evidence. The remaining skippers are still awaiting trial.

Four other foreign vessels were arrested — two Dutch, one British and one French. The skipper of the British vessel was convicted and fined a total of £79,200 including forfeiture of value of fish and gear; no charges were preferred against the French skipper because of insufficient evidence and the two Dutch skippers are still awaiting trial.

: What was the reason for the delay in the outstanding cases and when are they likely to be proceeded with?

: I do not think I have that information.

: The Minister might communicate with us.