Dempsey briefs Govt on fishing allegations

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 allegations of illegal fishing off Donegal have been circulated by a private individual to 12 European fisheries ministers, the European Commission and the European Court of Justice.

As the allegations also appear to implicate his Department, the Minister has had the file referred immediately to the Garda Commissioner.

The complainant in the matter has met with the Department in recent weeks in relation to the allegations and related matters.

Minister Dempsey said it would be disastrous for Ireland if we developed a reputation for fishing illegally.

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

Head of the Killybegs Fishermen's Organisation, Sean O'Donoghue, said the organisation would not condone any illegal activities.