asked the Minister for Fisheries whether he is aware that his Department has refused to recommend reductions in the heavy fines, ranging from £22 to £29 8s., imposed upon P. Murphy, J. Murphy, M. Osborne, M. Hanlon, E. Hanlon, T. Gleeson, J. Cuddihy, at Waterford, on 17th June, 1927, for illegal fishing at Glasshouse, County Kilkenny, on 15th May, 1927; whether he is aware that these fines are wholly beyond the capacity of these poor fishermen to pay; and whether in view of the comparative smallness of the fines inflicted on foreign trawlers in similar cases, while Irish fishermen are suffering grave disabilities and hardships, he can now see his way to recommend substantial reductions in these fines.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FINES FOR ILLEGAL FISHING.
After repeated complaints had been made regarding breaches of the fishery regulations, the persons named were brought to justice, considerable trouble having had to be taken before prosecutions could be instituted. I cannot see my way to recommend a reduction of the fines. The position in regard to foreign trawlers is explained in my answer of the 26th ultimo to Deputy Carney.
Is the Minister aware that in these cases it was a matter of a first offence; that none of these men had been brought up in any court for any offence whatsoever previous to this; and would the Minister not consider that certain favourable treatment should be given them, treatment less harsh, under the First Offenders Act, and is it not a fact that the average fine for an offence of that sort is not more than £5, and will the Minister say why in this case the fines were exorbitant, and spiteful, evidently?
I do not agree that the average fines in these cases are £5, because there is a minimum penalty fixed. I do not know whether or not it is the first time that these persons have been convicted, but I do know that it was generally known that these persons have been illegally fishing for a considerable period past.