asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will enforce the regulation introduced by the Galway Fishery Board that any trout caught which are less than 12 inches in length must be put back into the water.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Size of Trout.
44.
The Deputy is no doubt referring to a proposal by my Department that a bye-law be made fixing 12 inches as the minimum legal size of trout to be taken in Loughs Corrib, Mask and Carra. Details of this proposal were published in the Western People and the Connaught Tribune in the week ended 17th November, 1973, with a view to giving any person opposed to the proposal an opportunity to lodge an objection.
As the latest date for receipt of objections has not yet arrived a final decision in the matter has not been taken. Should I decide to make a bye-law in this matter it would be for the Galway Board of Conservators to enforce its provisions.
If the Parliamentary Secretary decided to make a bye-law in this regard in relation to the particular lakes mentioned, would he consider making similar bye-laws for other trout-fishing areas?
If application for such bye-laws is made, the matter will be examined on its merits. This refers to three particular lakes.