asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will continue the payment of bounties on the export of escallops and periwinkles and such shell fish during the present season; and, if so, if he will state the amount of such bounties; and if, in the case of periwinkles, he will continue the payment of such bounty all the year round, as periwinkles are not merely a seasonal trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bounties on Escallops and Periwinkles.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that very considerable anxiety prevails amongst the gatherers of periwinkles and escallop fishermen owing to there being yet no intimation as to whether the bounty which was available last season will be made available this year; whether he will announce without delay that such bounty will be available, as otherwise very great hardship will be inflicted on these very poor people.
Dr. Ryan
I will deal with Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together. The question of bounties on shellfish is at present under consideration, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the matter at a very early date.
Mr. Lynch
With regard to the Minister's reply, I want to ask if he is aware that the season for shellfish, particularly for mussels, has been open since September, and will he be prepared when he is giving bounties to give them for the full season, and not, like last year, only from the 1st December?
Dr. Ryan
I am afraid it could not be made retrospective.
Mr. Lynch
Surely it will have to be made retrospective. Last year it was from the 1st December. Will the Minister not see that it will be available before the 1st December of this year?
Dr. Ryan
I cannot say.