asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (i) the number of applications for fishing boats which he has received from persons in West Cork; (ii) the number of boats received by them to date, and (iii) the number he proposes to supply this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Boats — West Cork.
I am informed by the Sea Fisheries Association that some 40 applications for motor fishing boats of various sizes have been received from the area in question since 1939; but, as the Deputy will have gathered from the annual reports of the association, it was virtually impossible to obtain delivery of motor engines during the emergency period. Fortunately the supply position has now become easier, and the directors hope to clear during the next 12 months a considerable proportion of the applications now on the association's "waiting list". It is not feasible to forecast the number of boats to be issued to West Cork applicants; but I can assure the Deputy that they will be allotted their fair share of the total available for supply to the association's members generally within the coming months. Prior to 1939 six motor fishing boats had been issued to West Cork members.