asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries who is responsible for ensuring that lobsters of a minimum size only are caught; and the number of prosecutions, successful or otherwise, since the minimum size of caught lobsters was fixed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Catching of Lobsters.
9.
While the responsibility ultimately is mine under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959, the Act confers on Sea Fisheries Protection Officers powers of inspection, examination and detention of sea fish. Two persons have been prosecuted for having undersized lobsters in their possession and convictions secured in both cases. A total of 77 warning letters were also issued.
Would the Minister ensure that these inspectors will visit the various ports at which lobsters are landed usually once a week to ensure that there will be no breach of this bye-law or regulation?
Certainly. I shall be only too happy to do anything that will ensure that these regulations are observed.