asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider allocating the new 80-foot trawlers to selected individual fishermen under the hire-purchase system operated by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara so that they may be commissioned and operated under private enterprise rather than under State control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hire Purchase of Trawlers.
The selection of persons as hirepurchasers of fishing boats is entirely a matter for An Bord Iascaigh Mhara. I understand that the board would be prepared to consider the issue of 80-foot fishing boats to suitable applicants subject to compliance with the board's rules.