asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of surveys (a) completed and (b) in progress, in pursuance of the decision of the previous Government to establish a number of major fishing stations; further, how many locations have been chosen by the special committee set up in pursuance of the decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Stations.
The answers to the Deputy's queries are as follows: (a) two reconnaissance surveys of sections of the coast and five detailed surveys of particular sites have been completed and (b) no survey is at present in progress and one location has been selected by the committee referred to.
The position regarding this scheme is that the review to which I referred in my reply to the Deputy's question on 16th November last has not yet been completed.
Did I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to say that no surveys are in progress?
Yes.
Do I take it that it is not proposed to act further in this matter and that is the reason why there are no surveys in progress?
No, that is not so, and the Deputy knows that very well.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say why no surveys are in progress when the work has not been completed?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say the reason why surveys have been suspended is that his Department want to get something done before it surveys more?
Arising from that supplementary question, would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the surveys are being carried out by his Department or by another Department?
All surveys are carried out by the Office of Public Works.
So that they do not interfere with the work of the Department.