asked the Minister for Agriculture whether An Bord Iascaigh Mhara last year allocated any fishing boats to fishing ports in the constituency of County Waterford, and whether it is intended to allocate any such boats to ports in that constituency this year.
Questions— Oral Answers. - Allocation of Fishing Boats.
I would refer the Deputy to the tabular statement circulated in the Official Report in accordance with the reply to his question on 5th July from which it will be seen that the reply to the first part of the question is "No"; as to the second part I understand from the board that the provisional allocations of fishing boats already made by the board do not include boats for ports in the Deputy's constituency. I am informed, however, that applicants from that area who are in a position to comply with the board's rules and regulations governing boat issues will receive every consideration in connection with any further allocations that may be made in the present financial year.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is a Gaeltacht port in the constituency of Waterford and would he be prepared to meet me and my Deputy colleagues from Waterford with a view to discussing the question of the allotment of a boat to Helvick?
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the Gaeltacht boat scheme has not been very long in operation and that it takes something from six to ten months to provide a boat for allocation under the scheme. Already one boat has been allocated and another is ready for allocation. I will be most certainly prepared to receive a deputation of Deputies from Waterford or, if it facilitates the Deputies or the local interests, I would be prepared personally to go to the constituency and discuss the matter with the people concerned.
It is obvious that, even though the Gaeltacht scheme for the distribution of boats is new, judging by the number of boats allocated to my constituency, steps should be taken to see that Helvick is given consideration.
I can assure the Deputy that the applications which have been received from Helvick will be given every consideration.