asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the date on which fishing activities were commenced by the three State trawlers, (2) the total weight and value of fish landed by them up to date, and (3) the average number of crew employed at sea in these boats.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Operations of State Trawlers.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that two of the vessels in question commenced fishing on 12th December, 1952, and the third on 25th February, 1953. The total weight of fish landed by these vessels to 1st October, 1953, was 3,600 cwt. valued at £22,681. The answer to the third part of the question is eight men.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the total cost of refuelling, operating and main-taining the three Irish trawlers since they put to sea and the total value of fish sold by them.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that the operational and maintenance costs of the vessels in question to 1st October, 1953, was £20,643, and that the value of the landings made to that date was £22,681.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the total number of persons who were employed at sea in the three Irish trawlers sincethey began fishing and the average weekly value of perquisites, wages and expenses received by each; and if he will give similar details regarding persons employed on shore directly in connection with the management and maintenance of these boats.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that the answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is 56 men and £14 8s., and to the second part, three men and £11.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of boats which it is intended to provide for inshore fishermen during the present financial year and the number of extra State trawlers to be provided, the average cost of each boat and the number of persons who may be employed on these State trawlers.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that they contemplate the provision in the present financial year of 12 motor fishing boats, in addition to some sail boats and row boats, for issue on hire-purchase terms to inshore fishermen. The board also hope to put in hands the construction of two large fishing vessels (about 80 feet overall in length) at an estimated cost of £30,000 per vessel. Each of these vessels will probably carry a crew of eight persons.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the reason why the Irish State trawlers are permitted to fish in waters nearer to the coast than inshore fishing boats are, while both are operating simultaneously.
The vessels referred to are not so permitted.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether line gear attached to an inshore fishing boat was damaged by one of the Irish State trawlers; and, if so, whether compensation was claimed by the Arklow boat owner concerned.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that they have received a claim for compensation inrespect of damage alleged to have been caused to line gear belonging to an Arklow boat owner by a vessel operated by the board and that the allegation is under consideration.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the cash value of 126,000 cwt. of fish landed by inshore fishing boats and the weight of fish landed by the Irish State trawlers valued at £10,000.
The figures required by the Deputy are £360,675 and 1,514 cwt. respectively.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the average number of days spent at sea by each of the Irish State trawlers and the average weight and cash value of each landing.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that the particulars requested by the Deputy are as follows:—
(1) 12 days per trip; 121 cwt., value £710. (2) 12 days per trip; 77 cwt., value £516. (3) 11 days per trip; 47 cwt., value £466.