asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he intends to take any steps to provide a market for herring which the fishermen on the west coast of Donegal are landing at present and the greater part of which has to be thrown back into the sea in the absence of a market therefor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Herring Fishing.
Dr. Ryan
I have been doing everything possible in the matter. Although strongly pressed by our representatives, the German Government could not see their way to grant a quota for the import of cured herring of Saorstát origin, but inquiries are still being actively pursued in respect of other Continental markets with a view to finding an outlet, at reasonably remunerative prices, for that commodity. I cannot find any confirmation of the suggestion that the greater part (or, indeed, any considerable part) of the landings in West Donegal have had to be thrown back into the sea.
Is the Minister aware that the Government of the German Reich has given Great Britain a quota for cured herrings of 700,000 barrels; that our total output is 60,000 barrels; and, in the light of these facts, does he not think that it displays a great lack on his part not to have secured under the German trade agreement at least some share of that huge market for cured herring for our own fishermen?
Dr. Ryan
I am not sure if the Deputy's figures are exactly right— they may be.
Is the Minister prepared to agree with me that the German trade agreement is a disreputable agreement when it failed to provide a market for this herring?
Dr. Ryan
I am not.
In view of the unsatisfactory attitude adopted by the Minister, I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment, and to lay certain facts before the House.