asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any scheme in mind for the acquisition of privately owned fisheries in the west of Ireland so that they may be made available for public use; and if he will consider, in making any arrangements for takeover, the issue of fishery bonds on a basis similar to that operated by the Land Commission when land bonds were issued for the acquisition of lands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Fisheries.
20.
Mr. J. Lenehan
As I indicated in reply to Deputy Barry Desmond's question on 28th October, the subject of nationalisation of inland fisheries including those in the west of Ireland will form part of the deliberations of the Commission on Inland Fisheries which I propose to establish at an early date.
Mr. J. Lenehan
Is the Minister aware that these fisheries were confiscated hundreds of years ago by the British? They are still in the hands of British people, in many cases living in Britain, who are making fortunes out of them. At this stage, instead of issuing the bonds which I have mentioned, would he consider confiscating them? That would be the fair way out.
That and all other relevant considerations will no doubt be taken into account by this particular group which is being set up.