Number of Irish vessels detained increases

An increase in the number of Irish vessels detained by the Naval Service last year reflected a Government policy of "surrendering completely to Brussels", according to leading fishing industry representatives. Twelve of 49 vessels arrested by the Naval Service last year were Irish-registered: six Irish vessels were detained in 1996. As in previous years, most vessels arrested were Spanish.

While the detention figure is higher than in 1996, when 33 arrests were recorded, the number of sightings and boardings is slightly down. Patrol ships issued 87 warnings, compared to 160 in 1996.

Mr Joey Murrin, of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, has called for a new system of surveillance and control similar to Norway's, while Mr Tom Hassett, of the Irish South and West Fishermen's Organisation, said the increase in Irish detentions reflected a Government which had caved in to Brussels.

Commenting on the recent contract signing for a new £20 million Naval Service patrol ship, Mr Murrin said under the Norwegian system skippers were told to report in at a certain time for inspection. "In other words, the navy doesn't chase you; you come to them, which is far more efficient."

Mr Hassett said pressure had been brought to bear on the Irish fleet by Spain as a result of the large number of detentions of Spanish vessels early last year.

He said the Naval Service had been promised two to three extra patrol ships to police the Irish Box but it appeared that only one ship was going to be delivered.