asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that trawling by foreign boats off our coasts is likely to cease during present conditions, he has taken any steps, or intends to take any steps, to improve the position of our inshore fishing; and if he will state to the House what steps he has taken, or intends to take, to take advantage of the present favourable conditions to improve the lot of our fishermen and to ensure a regular and plentiful supply of fish from native waters for our people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inshore Fishing.
At an early stage of the emergency conditions, I requested the directors of the deep-sea trawling company which is based on Dublin to operate their fleet to full capacity and further to increase landings by acquiring such additional vessels as were needed to offset, in reasonable degree, the shortage resulting from the cessation of fish imports. They undertook to do so, and are in negotiation for the purchase of extra trawlers.
Contact with the inshore fishermen is maintained chiefly through the Sea Fisheries Association, the directors of which, at my suggestion, took prompt action in securing a stock of fishing nets and other gear for issue on hire-purchase to approved members. They are also arranging to extend their marketing operations.
I am particularly anxious to ensure that our inshore fishermen may be enabled to react, with advantage, to the present conditions.