asked the Minister for Lands what proposals he has for putting the fish freezing and auction mart at Galway docks into full production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Fish Freezing Plant and Auction Mart.
This is a matter which is receiving the attention of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, who will put the Galway fish processing station into full production as soon as adequate supplies of fish become available. In recent months landings of fish at Galway have been light. Any assistance which the Deputy can give by encouraging the local fishermen to increase their landings will be appreciated.
Would the Minister not indicate if he has offered this to a private concern?
The plant belongs to An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara would naturally consider any realistic proposal in regard to the station which might be made to them by responsible parties.
For sale?
I have not said for sale.
Seeing that the Minister has fallen down on this will he hand it over to Gael Linn?
The Minister has not fallen down on this.
Does the Minister recall his statement at the opening of the plant?
Order! No. 17.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the reason for the delay in appointing a foreman and female supervisor at the fish freezing plant in Galway, and the date on which the advertisement for the posts appeared in the Press.
An advertisement by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for a working foreman and a female supervisor for the Galway fish processing station appeared in the local Press on 21st September, 1957. The filling of these posts was deferred by the board because of the inadequacy of supplies of fish for processing.
That is the reason it is for sale.
You have three men employed.
The plans for this plant were sanctioned in 1955 after an arrangement made by the previous Government to award the Gaeltacht grants in the first instance in the Galway area had been changed, thus reducing the number of potential Galway fishermen by from five to eight in the area and making it all the more difficult to provide fish for the plant when it opened.
Would the Minister not consider turning it over——
Surely from five to eight is an increase?
It is the last Government's responsibility because they did not provide boats in time.
It is your's.
Surely from five to eight is an increase, not a reduction?