asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) to the effect that in ten years fish would be practically non-available in Irish rivers; and if he will comment on this report.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Availability of Fish.
100.
I have seen a report of the nature referred to by the Deputy. I do not accept that fish in our inland waters would be practically non-existent in ten years time.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that at present there is a very serious position as regards our river fishing and in view of the importance of the industry would he take immediate steps to see that the position is corrected and that something is done to save our estuary fisheries for future generations?
Everything possible is being done.
Is it not a fact that in many rivers, some of which are quite near me, and I can point them out to the Parliamentary Secretary, the fish are dying or becoming very small because there is a great deal of inbreeding and that this Government and Governments down through the years have done precious little about it? Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if he proposes to do anything about it even at this late stage?
I do not accept that. I say the Government have been doing everything possible.
May I ask what "everything possible" means?
The Deputy should put down a separate question to that effect.
(Interruptions.)