asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state the basis on which it is proposed to compensate landlords and other owners of fishing rights which will become vested in the Irish Land Commission on the Appointed Day; and, if he will state if it is the intention of the Irish Land Commission to resell all these fishing rights, under the Land Act, 1927 (Section 41) to tenant purchasers whose lands adjoin the rivers and lakes where these rights are; and, if so, on what basis will the purchase price to the tenants be calculated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Rights.
The price of fishing rights, in the absence of agreement, is to be fixed by the Land Commission, regard being had to the fair value of the fishery rights to the Land Commission and to the owners. In reselling fishery rights the Land Commission must have regard to the interests of the State as well as to those of riparian owners, and will endeavour to sell the fishery rights to the best advantage. The Land Commission cannot bind themselves beforehand to sell fishery rights to any particular persons, but the claims of riparian owners will always have the most favourable consideration possible from them. The price of resale must depend on all the circumstances of each case, but must at least be sufficient to repay the purchase money originally advanced for the purchase of these rights.