asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in view of the export potential involved, he will ensure that suitable arrangements are made for the processing and development of the mussel industry in Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Mussel Industry.
20.
I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to develop the mussel industry in Castlemaine Harbour. As regards processing the establishment of a processing plant in Castlemaine or elsewhere in the State is a matter in the first instance for private enterprise. Assistance is afforded by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Industrial Development Authority in the establishment of such plants and grants are available for suitable projects.
I understand from An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that the suitability for processing of the mussels in Castlemaine is at present being investigated, having particular regard to size, meat yield and flavour.
I am sure the Minister saw the statement in the Press over the past few days that mussels from Fremont have been banned from reaching the London market. Most of the British markets are gone——
I would be grateful if Deputy O'Connor would avoid making statements.
I am trying to get across the necessity for immediate processing. We had a meeting down in Tralee several months back at which the Bord Iascaigh Mhara people promised to get something done about it. I am amazed to hear the Minister saying the matter is still being investigated because this has been going on for years.
Deputy O'Connor is not being fair. He knows well that in 1971 an effort was made by one group to have an order made to vest in this society the mussel beds in the Castlemaine harbour and this was disputed by people who were not members of that group. As a result the whole thing was dropped. Recently the committee of the Castlemaine Co-operative Society requested assistance from Bord Iascaigh Mhara in investigating the possibility of mussel processing at Castlemaine harbour. At present samples of mussels are under tests for suitability for processing. If these tests prove favourable, and if other factors indicate that the project is economically viable, every assistance will be given towards the setting up of a local processing plant. Deputy O'Connor knows that this is so. At least something is now being done.
I should like to state that for 20 years this type of testing has been going on.
The Deputy should ask a supplementary question.
I am trying to answer the Minister. This is a very valuable industry, worth a quarter of a million if developed. It would keep 500 families going. We are still messing around with it and we cannot get the fishery people to take the necessary steps.
The Deputy will have to find another opportunity to air his grievances on the matter.
I hate to have to mention this again but we are taking responsibility for the last eight months and we are doing something about it. However, for the previous 16 years out of 20 the Deputy's own party were in power and the Deputy did not seem to be terribly active.
That is getting a bit out of date now.
It is, but it is very true. For 16 years out of 20 the Deputy had an opportunity and he said nothing, and now, within eight months, he wants miracles worked.
The shadows of the past are drawing nearer.
Question No. 21 postponed.