asked the Minister for Fisheries if he will state why a close season for eels has been created on the River Shannon and its tributaries, and if he is aware that because of this departure hardship is being caused to islanders whose sole means of subsistence is eel fishing; if he is aware that it is alleged by fishermen that this close season has been established in the interests of an owner of eel-weirs; further, whether a licence to fish for eels is necessary, and, if so, whether he is prepared to grant licences to these poor fishermen.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLOSE SEASON FOR EELS.
By the Irish Fisheries Act of 1842 a close season for all fixed engines for the capture of eels was established from the 10th January to the 1st July in every year. This close season is subject to alteration by the fishery authority, under the procedure laid down in the statutes, upon proof that such alteration is expedient in the general interests of the fishery.
Section 34 of the Fisheries Act, 1925, applied the same close season to every method of fishing for eels except single rod and line.
The close season for the capture of eels in the River Shannon has been fixed from the 31st January to the 1st July, something less than the original statutory period.
I have received an application from fishermen in Lough Ree for a further change of the close season as affecting them, and intend to have it inquired into as soon as the business of my Department will allow.
A licence is required to legalise fishing for eels by weirs or long lines in the open season, and the licence duty is £2 for every eye, gap or basket in the former, and £2 for a long line. These licences can be freely purchased from the clerk to the Board of Conservators in Limerick, or from any authorised fishing licence distributor.
Is the Minister aware that quite a large number of these poor people, whose only means of livelihood is eel fishing, are not in a position to pay a licence duty of £2? Would the Minister review that portion of the Fisheries Act with the object of reducing the amount of licence duty?
I am not aware of any such thing, and I have no intention at the moment of reviewing the Fisheries Act.