asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider permitting fishing on the river Slaney to commence on 1st March instead of 1st April as at present; and, further, if he will permit fishing on Saturdays during the season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Slaney Fishing.
This matter was the subject of a public inquiry held at Enniscorthy in January, 1938, at which evidence was tendered by the various interests concerned. In the light of the facts then elicited and the statistical information available in my Department it was decided that, in the best interests of the netsmen themselves and of the river as a whole, no alteration in the opening date of the netting season would be justified. I am not aware of any change in general conditions on the river Slaney since then.
As regards the second part of the question the statutory weekly close time for all rivers includes Saturday, and I have no power to vary it.