Blockade Suspended following talks with Minister

 'Calm Waters' in Castletownbere Harbour for this Swans' family

Deputations from Castletownbere and Dingle met with Minister for the Marine, Frank Fahy and his Secretary in Kenmare yesterday afternoon.  An open, forthright and very blunt discussion took place highlighting not only the Tuna Situation but the Industry in general.   Irish Boats involved in the Tuna Fishery are being boarded by the Irish Navy in International Waters (they do not have legislation to board other boats outside the 200 mile limit).  The fishermen wish to see that all boats - Spanish, French, English etc. are also boarded by their own Country's Navy and inspected likewise.  A local Castletownbere boat was inspected by a Department Official prior to his departure to the Tuna Fishing grounds, he was boarded twice by the Navy while on that fishing trip and again on arrival back to Castletownbere, he was further inspected, by a Department Official.  During the last inspection, numerous Spanish & Spanish Flagships were unloading their catch here in Castletownbere but the Department did not inspect any of them.  Why?  The Minister gave very strong assurances that he would investigate all the issues raised and especially the EU Legisation on Control.  The Tuna Situation was the straw that broke the 'camel's back' and issues such as Fleet Modernisation, Price of Fuel were among a range of topics discussed yesterday.  There will be further meetings held during this week to hopefully bring about a speedy and positive remedy.

An article on this situation can also be read at: http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2000/0717/hom8.htm