The Minister for the Marine, Noel Dempsey, has told the Dáil he is taking 'extremely seriously' the allegations made by a Donegal fisherman regarding over-fishing.
Mr Dempsey detailed the history of communications between his department and the complainant, who has claimed that there is widespread flouting of fishing quotas.
The minister said the gardaí had been asked to investigate the allegations.
However, he maintained that pursuing the matter had been made more difficult by the refusal of the individual concerned to hand over documentation which he was holding.
Mr Dempsey said that at meetings with officials the complainant had refused to allow files to be photocopied as he was holding them as a ‘bargaining chip’.
