asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether it is a fact that the herring fisheries of Donegal are at present suffering severely, due to a falling off in the demand for cured herrings; whether he has investigated the causes of the bad markets; whether any barrier exists in Continental markets formerly available; and, if so, whether he has taken or intends to take any steps to consult with the Minister for External Affairs with a view to opening markets on the Continent which formerly existed, and thus create a better demand for Irish cured herrings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Falling Demand for Cured Herrings.
There is at present a restricted demand for the winter herring which is caught at this season off the coast of Donegal, owing to the large stocks of autumn caught North Sea herring which have not yet been absorbed by the Continental markets.
My Department is in communication with the Department of External Affairs regarding the possibility of re-opening herring markets on the Continent which have been closed for some years.
The Minister is aware, of course, that whereas in former years we used to have 250 boats fishing out of Buncrana to-day there are only 11. The same thing applies to the whole coast of Donegal. I would ask the Minister to accelerate the arrangements with a view to re-opening these markets.
The same thing, of course, applies to the coasts of England and Scotland. They were left this season with 150,000 barrels.
Is not that due to the laxity of the British Government? Our Government need not follow suit.
Will the Minister say if any representation has been made to his Department by the British Government requesting that his Department make no efforts to re-open the Russian markets as far as cured herrings are concerned?
Certainly not.