asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange courses of instruction in skin-diving for wholetime commercial fishermen; and if he will issue licences for fishing to skin-diving fishermen in certain areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skin-Diving Courses.
20.
Commercial fishing by means of skin-diving would be effective only in relation to shellfish varieties but a bye-law made on 17th June, 1966 makes it illegal for any person to take shellfish by skin-diving. Under existing legislation a licensing system is not possible but I am at present considering the introduction of amending legislation to regulate skin-diving for shellfish by a licensing system.
Should licences be granted at any time for the taking of shellfish by skin-diving the question of providing instruction to fishermen in the technique of this type of fishing will be considered.