asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of drift net licences issued in 1961 and in 1972; and the weight of fish caught by drift nets in each of those years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drift Net Licences.
26.
The number of salmon drift net licences issued in the 17 fishery districts in 1961 was 319 and the weight of fish caught by these nets was approximately 218,000 lbs. In 1972 1,156 such licences were issued and the weight of fish caught was approximately 2,347,000 lbs.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not now consider that a further restriction should be put on drift net licences, if not eliminate them altogether, for the sake of conserving our fish stock?
No, I do not. The order that is made stands for this year. It will be reviewed again at the close of this season. I am satisfied that the measures taken are adequate. We like to have the fish get into the fishermen's nets. We are slow to impose restrictions unless we are satisfied that such restrictions are necessary.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary entertain any fears at all for the maintenance of fish stocks?
Yes, I am most watchful. It is my job now and the Deputy is finished with it for a good while to come.
The remaining questions must appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
(Interruptions.)
What about the order made by the Deputy on the 13th February, 1973?
We stand over it and we are not apologising for it.
(Interruptions.)
We did not run away from our job.
You can only get a licence now if you are in the Labour Party.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.