asked the Minister for Lands if he will make a full statement on the visit to the United States of the Parliamentary Secretary; what benefit will accrue to the fishing industry as a result of this trip; and what he hopes to do to gear the fishing industry for a period of prosperity for Irish fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - US Visit of Parliamentary Secretary.
19.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware from Press announcements prior to the visit in question the main purpose of the visit, which was made on the invitation of the United States authorities, was to explore the prospects of future co-operation including the possibility of exchange of personnel in fishery research and administration.
The main emphasis in the talks with the United States authorities was on the development of our shell fish industry and the improvement of our fish processing operations.
During the course of the visit I inspected a number of fishery research stations where particular attention has been paid to some problems of the shell fish and fish processing industries with which this country is concerned. Arrangements were made to explore the possibility of applying some of the results of the research in question to the Irish fishing industry. In addition, tentative arrangements were made regarding exchanges of personnel.
While I am confident that the eventual results of this visit will be of considerable benefit to the Irish fishing industry generally leading to the enhanced prosperity of Irish fishermen, it is not possible at this stage to indicate such benefits precisely.