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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1943

Vol. 90 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol for Fishermen.

asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that a number of fishermen from the Loughshinny area called into the Department of Supplies recently concerning petrol supplies for the conveyance of fish from Loughshinny to the Dublin markets and that the only satisfaction they got from an official of the Department was a remark "throw the fish back into the sea"; and, if so, if he will have the matter investigated with a view to dealing with the official concerned.

I have caused this matter to be fully investigated on the basis of the information obtained from the Deputy since the question was put down. I feel sure that the Deputy will, on reconsideration, agree that it is undesirable that a member of the Dáil should make so serious a charge publicly against officials of the Department without being in a position to substantiate it. I am fully satisfied as the result of investigation that there is no foundation for the allegation that a remark such as that quoted in the question was made by any officer of my Department.

Is the Minister aware that his Department only rang me up yesterday in connection with this matter and I gave them one name of a person, who called on them? Apparently, the Minister looks on this as a rather "fishy" question but I would ask the Minister, if he receives further particulars, will he have it further investigated?

I certainly will be glad to have it investigated. The fact of the matter is that no deputation of fishermen from the Loughshinny area was received in the Department at all and the person named by the Deputy, when inquiries were made, was not a fisherman.

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