asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that during the past three weeks fresh mackerel were sold in Kinsale at 1/- per box (or at one penny per dozen) and that 20,000 to 25,000 mackerel were dumped into the sea at Kinsale owing to the inability of the fishermen to obtain buyers for their catch; that in the same period mackerel were sold in Cork Fish Market at from 3d. to 5d. each, according to size, and that at these prices the poor of the city are unable to buy fish; and whether in these circumstances he is prepared to take steps to provide a market for the fish available in Kinsale and at the same time provide the citizens of Cork with an adequate supply of fish at reasonable prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Mackerel.
While not aware of all the details referred to by the Deputy, I am dealing with this question on the basis of his own figures. If there exists in Cork City a genuine demand for fresh mackerel and if the citizens have to pay up to 5d. each for the fish at a time when some 20,000 mackerel are being dumped for lack of buyers at Kinsale, say, 20 miles distant, there is evidently a great want of enterprise within the distributive trade. All I can do in the circumstances is to undertake that any reasonable proposal for a solution of the problem that may be submitted to the Sea Fisheries Association will receive prompt and sympathetic consideration.