asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider the advisability of putting a tariff on imported fresh fish seeing that the greater part of such fish sent into the Irish Free State is caught on our own shores by poaching trawlers to the detriment of the interests of our own fishermen, and if he is aware that such a tariff would afford some degree of protection to our decaying sea fisheries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tariff on Imported Fresh Fish.
Dr. Ryan
If the Deputy will supply me with the evidence on which he bases his statement that the greater part of the fresh fish sent into the Irish Free State is caught on our own shores by poaching trawlers, his suggestion will have my careful consideration.
Surely the Minister will not plead ignorance of the fact that a very great volume of fresh fish is caught on the shores of this country by poaching foreign trawlers?
Dr. Ryan
Caught, yes. That is another question.
And the Minister makes no attempt to stop it.
Dr. Ryan
I would want volunteers for the Navy.