asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state, in respect of the regulation under the fisheries laws which gives water-keepers the power to seize gear, the reason for its existence and why it is not proposed to revoke it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fisheries Laws.
28.
Forfeiture of gear is automatic on conviction of a fisheries offence and, if it is to be available for forfeiture, the gear must be seized and detained at time of detection.
Seizure would also help to prevent a recurrence of the suspected offence.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is grave dissatisfaction in County Kerry at the moment with the way this is operated? Nets and boats are being seized before any offence is committed.
I am aware of the situation in Kerry.
What does the Parliamentary Secretary intend to do about it?
Nothing.
Stand idly by.
There is no question of standing idly by.
That means nothing.
They will swim in deep waters.
I want to assure the Deputy that what has happened in Kerry is a matter for the Board of Fishery Conservators there at the moment and they are taking action on the position in Kerry. Therefore I am not involved at all. There is no question of my or anybody else's standing idly by here. It is a matter for the Board of Fishery Conservators.
Who issued the licence to the Board of Fishery Conservators?
It is a statutory obligation on the Board of Conservators to enforce the fisheries law.
The Parliamentary Secretary is responsible for the fisheries law.
Question No. 29.
This House is responsible for fisheries law.
The Parliamentary Secretary is head of the Department.
Question No. 29.
For the Deputy's information, this law was brought in in 1949 and 1925 and not during my term here.
(Interruptions.)
29.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if there are any proposals for the updating of the fishery laws; and, if so, what stage such proposals have reached.
The terms of reference of the Inland Fisheries Commission include an examination of the administration of the inland fisheries. When the commission's report is submitted, such recommendations as may be made in regard to any necessary revision of legislation will be considered.