asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that fishermen resident at Valentia and Portmagee applied to his Department for Kelvin engines in a number of cases as long ago as 1941; and, if so, whether in view of the urgency of the position he will accede to their request at the earliest possible date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valentia and Portmagee Fishermen.
Such applications are not dealt with in my Department, but by the Sea Fisheries Association. I am informed that there are in hands with the association four applications for such engines from residents in the area named. Three of them are in course of clearance, and in the fourth case the applicant has not replied to certain relevant queries addressed to him. The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that from 1941 until quite recently the makers of these engines were so preoccupied with work from their own authorities that they found it impossible to fulfil orders placed with them by the association.