asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is now prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to amend Section 35 (6) of the Fisheries Act, 1939, so that fishermen in areas where the open fishing season is normally less than the minimum 26 weeks specified in the section may receive full compensation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fisheries Act, 1939.
I cannot undertake to introduce legislative proposals of the nature indicated, as there is no evidence that Section 35 (6) in its present form does not fairly represent the intention of the Oireachtas in respect of the matters covered by it. There is no mention in Section 35 (6) of a minimum 26 weeks as suggested by the Deputy.
Mr. Flynn
Arising out of the Minister's reply, a minimum of 26 weeks in certain areas in certain counties is practicable but there are other areas where the actual fishing season is only a possible 16 weeks and, with the best intention in the world, compensation cannot be granted in such areas. Would the Minister reconsider the matter in the light of those circumstances? I have had discussions with the officials of his Department and difficulty seems to have arisen not alone in my county but in some of the western counties, too, in regard to this matter.
I do not want to mislead the Deputy by saying that I will reconsider the matter and thus persuade him that it may be possible for me to do something. But, quite literally, I do propose to re-examine the matter; but I do not wish the Deputy to accept that as implying that I foresee my ability to change matters. The position will be re-examined.