asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the price realised for fresh mackerel at Cahirciveen is as low as 3/- per hundred fish, and that at this price fishing is entirely uneconomic; whether he will state if a bounty is payable on mackerel exported to England; and, if so, at what rate; and if he will indicate what steps he intends taking to prevent a complete collapse of the fishing industry on the western seaboard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bounty on Mackerel.
I am aware that as from the 8th March (when the season may be said to have begun), up to the end of that month the price realised at Cahirciveen for fresh mackerel ranged from a maximum of 21s. per 100 to a minimum of 3s. per 100. The day-to-day average was 5s. 9d. per 100, and the average for the last three days of the period rose to 8s 10d. per 100. A bounty equivalent to the British import duty is payable in respect of fresh mackerel consigned to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I understand that the Sea Fisheries Association has been according special attention to the condition of the fishing industry on our Western seaboard.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I ask is there not a bounty at the moment in respect of mackerel?
Yes.
How long will that continue?