A Department of Transport spokesperson has told RTÉ News that the Coast Guard carried out a full and effective search of both the sunken Pere Charles and the Honey Dew II in January.
The department, which oversees the Coast Guard services, said it would await the outcome of the inquiry being carried out by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.
The spokesperson added that any decision on whether the boats should be raised would have to be made by the MCIB.
Meanwhile, the MCIB said that because investigations are under way into the sinkings of the two vessels, it cannot comment on whether the boats should be raised. A spokesperson for the board would make no further comment.
A family representative of the missing men has reiterated that the boats should be raised, and has questioned how a full and thorough investigation can be carried out on both trawlers if they are left in the water and are not examined properly.
Five men were lost when the Pere Charles sank off Dunmore East on 10 January and two men drowned when the Honeydew II sank off the coast of west Waterford a few hours later.
Family representatives say they want to find out why the boats sank, and for this and other reasons, it is vital they are raised.
They say they were under the impression this course of action would be taken as part of the inquiry by the MCIB.
Representatives of families of the Pere Charles' victims say they have reports from commercial divers and salvage consultants which suggest the methods used to search the boats, using underwater cameras, mean it is impossible to be absolutely sure there are no bodies on board.
Family members have already spoken with Minister of State Pat the Cope Gallagher and are launching a campaign which will involve, amongst other things, lobbying politicians to support their calls to have both boats lifted.
