asked the Minister for Lands the present losses on all fish processing plants and fishmeal plants which are the property of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Losses on Fish Processing Plants.
50.
The figures up to 31st March, 1962, appear in the published annual accounts of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara. For the year ended 31st March, 1963, the losses amounted to £25,039. For the year ended 31st March, 1964, final figures are not yet available but it is estimated that the losses were of the order of £6,000. The commercial fishmeal factory acquired by the Board at Killybegs has been let at a profit rent.
Are the losses being cut because we leased these plants?
No. The plants are owned by the Board and are operated in conjunction with the fishermen and certain trade interests.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say whether some of the deep freeze plants and fishmeal plants are being let to private concerns?
No. Apart from the fishmeal factory, which was let some five years ago, at a profit, to a Danish interest, the other processing factories are being operated at a profit by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, in conjunction with the fishermen and trade interests.
What about the deep freeze plant?
That is what I am talking about—the deep freeze plants at Galway, Killybegs and Schull. For the Deputy's information, the one at Killybegs is being operated at a profit.
None has been leased?
No.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary hear a broadcast by a well-known fish merchant in which he said he was the lessee of one of these plants?
I did not. It is not true, anyway.