asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why he refused to attend a recent fishermen's dinner and dance; and if he will make a statement on the present position in relation to the fishing dispute at Dunmore East.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Dispute.
43.
I have not refused to attend any fishermen's dinner and dance recently. On 17th December, 1965, I received an invitation from the Dress Dance Committee of the National Retail Fish Merchants Association. I replied on 18th December, 1965, thanking them for their kind invitation but regretting my inability to accept it because of a prior engagement.
As regards the second part of the question, as certain aspects of the Dunmore East fishing incidents are still the subject of legal proceedings, I do not propose to make any statement.
Is it not true that they made diplomatic inquiries beforehand and were informed that the Minister would be free? It was then they issued the invitation.
That is not correct. The first intimation I got——
I know it is hard for the Minister to go to them all— I admit that. It is also hard to make speeches at them all, including the Fianna Fáil agricultural committee.
The criticism from that side of the House is that we go to too many and make too many speeches.
According to the Bishop of Galway, you go to too many and make too many speeches.