(An Clár) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has considered the application of the fishermen of Killaloe, whose means of living have been destroyed because of the operations of the Shannon scheme, and if he will indicate what decision he has reached in its regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killaloe Fishermen.
These fishermen exercised no private right of fishing in the Shannon and no claim for compensation can arise out of the cesser of any facility which was formerly at the disposal of any member of the public.
Mr. Hogan
Is the Minister aware that these people, or the people who preceded them for fifty years, have had these rights, and is he going to deny them these rights and refuse them the right to live, because the Shannon scheme is in operation?
The right to use the fisheries there is the same as the right to use the public road, no more and no less. I cannot undertake to compensate people for the cesser of a right which is open to every member of the public.
Mr. Hogan
Does not the Minister know that the management of these boats is a very technical matter, much more difficult than walking on a road, and that those who come to fish there are guided by these fishermen, who know every current and breeze and variation of the water, and is he going to deny these thirty or forty men the right to live because the Shannon scheme is a work of public utility?
It is not a question of the right to live, but taking away from certain people a right which they, in common with every other citizen of the Irish Free State, possess. I cannot undertake to compensate the whole population of the Irish Free State.
Mr. Hogan
This is just the same as a farm of land. The Minister is taking these men's living from them. If the Minister is going to base it on a technicality, he has not equity on his side.
This is a public right.
Mr. Hogan
I wish to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the adjournment.