asked the Minister for Lands if he will state, now that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara has ceased marketing fish, what is the nature of the firm guarantee which he can give fishermen to ensure a market for all their catch; and if he considers that it is in the best interest of the fishermen that the Board should surrender their right to the marketing of fish and thus leave the fishermen unprotected in the matter of prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Fish.
20.
The withdrawal of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara from auctioning and wholesaling does not effect the steady demand for fish on the home and export markets; indeed the Board are actively co-operating in the expansion of these markets. The Board are continuing to purchase fish for processing in their factories at Killybegs and Galway. They are also assisting fishermen in developing the co-operative marketing of their catches. In addition the arrangements for payment of the full fish meal price to fishermen at the point of landing continue to apply. In the circumstances I do not consider that the limited extent to which the Board are withdrawing leaves the fishermen unprotected in the matter of prices. In any event the Board retain their right to resume any activity should circumstances render it desirable for them to do so.
Were the fishermen consulted in advance of the Board's going out of the marketing of fish?
In very great detail.
Did they indicate their approval?
The representatives of the fishermen expressed a great desire to go into it themselves, instead of the Board.
Will any of the Board's employees be employed?
There are negotiations in progress.
How much fish was purchased for this factory in Galway?
It is a separate question.The factory in Galway is going excellently at present.
I shall put down the question next week so that we shall find out how much fish is necessary to keep it going.