Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey today briefed the Government about allegations of serious illegal commercial sea fishing activity by the Irish fishing fleet.

The Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation says it welcomes a Garda investigation into fraud allegations in Donegal fisheries.

ALLEGATIONS that department officials colluded in allowing fishing quotas to be exceeded by Donegal fishermen are being taken very seriously, Communications and Marine Minister Noel Dempsey said last night.

EU fishing officials are due to meet later today to discuss a plan which could significantly reduce the size of the Irish fishing fleet.

DONEGAL trawlermen are to get extra government funding to help them combat tough new EU fishing restrictions.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is due to meet fishing representatives later today to discuss what they say is a threat to their livelihoods.

The European Union's scientific committee is today expected to back a report which calls for cod fishing grounds in the Irish Sea and the North Sea to be closed in an effort to conserve stocks.

The Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation has said any move to abolish Ireland's 50-mile fishing exclusion zone would contradict the EU's conservation proposals.

THE Government is to launch a diplomatic offensive today to block an invasion of Irish waters by Spanish fishermen.