asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the Lough Ree islanders live solely on fishing and that they have now been legislated practically out of existence; and, if so, whether with a view to alleviating their position he will (i) take steps to have the by-laws altered under which they have been refused net licences for the past two seasons and are unreasonably restricted in the size of eel hooks and weight of eels which they may take, and (ii) include in terms of reference of the coming public inquiry all the grievances of these fishermen regarding (a) net fishing to include trout, (b) the size of eel which they may take, (c) the size of eel hook which may be used by them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lough Ree Fishermen.
I understand that the Lough Ree islanders are generally dependent upon the proceeds of fishing as part of their livelihood and I realise that their activities have been restricted by the abolition, under Section 35 of the Fisheries Act, 1939, of all freshwater netting as from 1st January, 1948. That section, however, authorises me to make, under suitable conditions, a by-law permitting within any specified area of freshwater the use of nets for the capture of fish other than salmon, trout and eels; and the men concerned were repeatedly told if they chose to apply for such a by-law the necessary steps would be taken in that regard. Towards the close of 1948 an application reached my Department, and arrangements have been completed for holding the necessary public inquiries during the first week in April. Should the evidence tendered justify me in making the appropriate by-law, I shall, of course, do so. I have no power to authorise the use of nets for the capture of trout.
The minimum size of eel which may be taken, and of eel hook which may be used, are governed by an existing by-law, and before any modification could be considered a prima facie case showing that the proposed change would be for the benefit of the eel fisheries in the river system as a whole must be submitted. As no such case has been furnished the forthcoming inquiries must be limited to the possible restoration of the position which obtained immediately preceding 1st January, 1948.