asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will request the British Government to facilitate the importation of "berry" lobsters from this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of “Berry” Lobsters.
I do not consider that action on my part as suggested by the Deputy is called for.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the inshore fisheries are being denuded of lobster through the fishermen landing lobster here which it is illegal to land in Britain? If Britain prohibits the fishing of "berry" lobster over there, will the Parliamentary Secretary consider doing likewise here and so prevent the discards from Britain being landed on the Irish market?
What is a "berry" lobster?
It is a lobster about to spawn.
The Deputy's question is:
"To ask the Minister for Agriculture if he will request the British Government to facilitate the importation of ‘berry' lobsters from this country."
The British Government made an Order last April prohibiting the landing of such lobsters from their own waters. It would be quite impossible for that Government to implement that Order if similar lobsters were allowed to be imported from this country.
But it is quite legal here to fish for "berry" lobster and it is quite legal for us to export such lobster. Let us include, then, "berry" lobster in our exports and let us request the British Government to give us facilities.
That arises from the state of the law here but a change in that respect is contemplated.