asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the fishermen supplying mussels at the Cromane mussel plant are not receiving an adequate price for their producer; and if he will take steps to increase this price at the earliest possible date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price for Mussels.
Mr. Flynn
I am informed by the Irish Sea Fisheries Association that during the past three seasons there has been a persistent decline in the quantities of suitable mussels offered to the Cromane plant, and this has caused a reduction in the volume of exports with consequential loss of earnings for that plant. I am assured that the prices paid by the association for mussels accepted from the gatherers are the best possible in the circumstances. I cannot, therefore, agree that they are inadequate.
Mr. Flynn
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that the fishermen engaged in the mussel trade have sought contacts in England with a view to carrying out their own sales? The result is that a number of these men have withdrawn their services altogether from the plant.
That very development of itself has tended to increase the complexity of the problem. As the facilities at Cromane are less and less availed of, the expenses of providing them continue to rise. I am at present considering the propriety of prohibiting altogether the exports of mussels from the country except in so far as they have passed through a purifying tank, but that is a matter on which no decision has been reached and on which no decision can be taken until it has been investigated.
The new freedom for the fishermen.
Are you in favour of selling typhoid-affected mussels?
I am not, but——
Order.
If the Minister is considering the prohibition of the export of mussels will he at the same time have further purification tanks erected at other points where the mussel industry is carried on? Can he say what price is payable for mussels at Cromane?
I cannot give the Deputy the information he requires as to the current price paid at Cromane. I am, however, in a position to say that, in the event of a decision being taken on public health grounds to prohibit the sale of mussels which have not passed through a purifying tank, it will, of course, be necessary then to provide tank facilities at other points where mussel fishing is carried on.
Is the Minister aware that his Department's attitude at the present time is that they are not prepared to erect further purification tanks. They have so stated in reply to a communication sent to them last week by the Meath County Council?
Mr. Flynn
Arising out of the Minister's further reply, would it not be better to increase the price given to the men at Cromane in order to make the tanks erected there a success rather than to contemplate the prohibition of further exports from unauthorised sources?
I would be very grateful for any views the Deputy, who is a specialist in this matter, could give me.