asked the Minister for Lands if, in view of recent acquisitions by non-nationals of exclusive inland fishery rights from the Land Commission, he will take steps to ensure that local angling associations will have first choice in the leasing or purchasing of such fishery rights in future.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Inland Fishery Rights.
There have been no recent acquisitions by non-Nationals of any inland fishery rights in the ownership of the Land Commission.
It is the practice of the Land Commission to give every consideration to local angling clubs in their efforts to lease fishing rights in Land Commission ownership. Such rights are not sold but are let for a season or on lease for a term of years.
Is the Minister aware that local angling associations have to compete with non-nationals on the question of the rental for these lettings and that the annual rental at which the lettings are made to local angling associations is determined after competition with the prices or rentals offered by non-nationals?
The point is that everybody is entitled to make an offer. It remains for the Land Commission to decide to whom they will give the lease.
Why should non-nationals raise the ante?