asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is aware of the action of certain people in Youghal, financially aided by grants from the Southern Loyalists Distress Fund, in formulating and putting into effect there a scheme for the purchase of boats and gear by fishermen; if he will state whether any application from the fishermen of that area for assistance in that direction has been received by him during the past two years, and with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants to Youghal Fishermen.
I am aware of a scheme for assisting certain fishermen in the East Cork district, under which it is stated that boats and nets for salmon fishing are being given on certain conditions. My Department received one application for a loan from Youghal during the past two years, which loan was granted.
Is the Minister aware that the fishermen of the Knockadoon district have made several applications to his Department within the last few years, and have, in the majority of cases, been refused grants, and is it the policy of his Department to allow a Southern Loyalist Organisation, under General Brooke Brazier, to secure a financial grip on the only Irish-speaking district in East Cork?
The Deputy's question only refers to Youghal. When he puts one to me in regard to Knockadoon I shall answer it.