asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there is great dissatisfaction among fishermen because the prices offered for landings of shellfish at Achill, Blacksod, and at various points around the Mayo coast are exceptionally low, and that, as a result, a number of them have emigrated, and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Shellfish.
I am aware that at the opening of the current lobster fishing season much dissatisfaction was expressed by fishermen on the Mayo coast with the reduction in the price for lobsters proposed to be made by some buyers in consequence of the increased import duty payable on both lobsters and crawfish entering the French market. Representations, with which my Department was associated, were made to the buyers and a revised price for lobsters was offered by them and accepted by the fishermen. I am not aware that this matter has resulted in any reduction in the number of fishermen engaged this season in the areas concerned in lobster and crawfish fishing compared with last year.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is really no competition for the purchase of fish in Achill at the present time? Is he aware that the whole thing is done by a monopoly and that the fishermen are at the mercy of such people?
The fishermen appear to be pleased with the recent arrangements that have been made. No representations have been made to me that they are dissatisfied.
You have representations now that they are dissatisfied.