asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that Irish fishermen are benefiting fully from the price supports available under the EEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Price Supports.
6.
Market prices for fish are at higher levels than those at which EEC price supports apply. It is not necessary, therefore, to avail of such supports at present.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary inform the House what has been done to set up producer groups in order to avail of EEC prices?
That seems to be a separate matter.
I can answer that because I am conversant with the matter. I have devoted a good deal of time to meeting representatives from different parts of the country, asking them to get together and form producers' organisations. The IAOS and BIM are making every effort also. We hope that the fishermen will see the advantages of producer organisations. Up to the present it has not made that much difference. The prices of all kinds of fish are in excess of the intervention price.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that the price of all fresh fish is in excess of any prices paid heretofore? Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the prices being paid on the Dublin market are in excess of the prices which were paid before?
The Deputy is broadening the scope of the question.
My information is that the prices obtaining in Dublin, Cork or Donegal are in excess of the withdrawal prices.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied with the progress being made in regard to the setting up of producer organisations?
I would like to to see more headway. I have stressed that point in the course of my discussions with representatives of the fishermen. Both the IAOS and BIM representatives are doing everything possible by advising and giving any other help required. They are also making financial help available which could be recouped from EEC funds.