asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that a firm backed by American capital is coming in to exploit the shell fishing off the west coast; and, if so, what effect this will have on the livelihood of local fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Coast Shell Fishing.
6.
I am aware that an Irish company in which there are American interests is operating a shellfish boat off the West Coast and that a second vessel is at present being geared for such fishing. I also understand that the company has been considering the question of expanding these activities but has not yet reached a decision to do so. I am satisfied that the present scale of operations will not adversely affect the livelihood of local fishermen and I am watching developments very carefully to ensure that any expanded project that may emerge will not endanger the stocks of shellfish.
Is the Minister aware of the considerable concern that exists among the fishermen along the west coast that this is an effort by an American finance firm to come in and completely exploit what is their living, regardless of the consequences in the long-term on their livelihood?
The Deputy will appreciate that one boat operating on the west coast will not——
I know the present position is not dangerous, but what about the future?
I have already covered that. There is another one coming, but we are keeping under strict view what is going on. Naturally, if anything emerges that would appear to endanger the livelihood of the local fishermen and the stocks of shellfish, we will take steps to prevent it happening.
Could the Minister say why it has not been possible for us to provide the facilities for the existing fishermen to do this type of exploitation now being done by an outside firm?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy talks about exploitation. I am not quite sure what exploitation really entails. I know that the west coast shell fishermen are quite active in their own interest so far as processing in the future is concerned. I think the Deputy and the House in the not-too-distant future will be quite happy about the developments that have taken place.