asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that 8,000 herrings recently landed by local fishermen at Malinbeg were allowed to perish because sale could not be effected, and, if so, if he will take steps to prevent such an occurrence in the future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Herrings.
I am aware of the occurrence referred to. I am informed that the fish in question were landed about 9 p.m. on Thursday, 21st April, but were not offered for sale to the representative of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara at Killybegs until about 11 p.m. If the board's representative had been contacted about 9 p.m. arrangements could have been made to have the fish taken to Dublin with other fish from Killybegs by the regular lorry service. This was not possible at 11 p.m. as the journey to Malinbeg from Killybegs and the return would cause too much delay. The fish were also offered to other buyers in Donegal, but it is understood that none was interested as the fish could not in the time available have been sent to Dublin in time for the early sales on the Friday market, although one buyer at Malinmore who had a quantity of fish for dispatch to the Dublin market expressed his readiness to buy the herrings if landed at that port.
It is not clear why these herrings were not taken by Killybegs station for conversion into fish meal, and this is a matter into which I propose to make further inquiries. It is understood that the fish were not of sufficiently good quality for kippering. As local demand for the Friday trade had been filled the Dublin market was the only outlet for the herrings and the board's representative offered to supply boxes if the owner decided to send them there for commission sale. He decided not to do this. My Department and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are only too pleased to help fishermen in every way possible to dispose of their landings at a fair price but I must point out that it is impossible to make arrangements to ensure that fish landed at any place, at any time, and in any quantity will find a market. I can only suggest that fishermen should bear in mind the difficulties likely to be experienced by them in disposing of catches landed late in the week which must rely on the fresh market for sale. If earlier notice of this landing had been given it would have been possible for the board to have the fish transported to Dublin in time for the Friday morning market.