asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will sanction the establishment of county committees of fisheries with the same rights etc. as county committees of agriculture.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Committees of Fisheries.
15.
The answer is "No".
On what basis has the Parliamentary Secretary reached that conclusion? Would he agree that the establishment of such committees would serve a useful purpose?
Such a measure would require legislation. In May, 1971, an application was made by one county committee of agriculture, which adopted a resolution that in the mari-time counties the committees of agriculture be designated county committees of agriculture and fisheries for the purpose of assuming responsibility for the interests of the fishing industry as well as those of the agricultural industry. The implementation of that proposal would have required amending legislation. The Department replied in July, 1971, to the Waterford County Committee of Agriculture to the effect that the Department's Fisheries Division and BIM were charged with the responsibility of taking care of the sea fishing industry and that the designation of county committees of agriculture as suggested was not considered necessary. No further action has been taken since in relation to this matter. The Kerry county development scheme set up a body recently to be known as the Kerry County Committee of Fisheries. Their work could be useful but they would be acting merely in an advisory capacity.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that these committees could provide a very useful service?
I doubt that. The Sea Fisheries Division of the Department as well as BIM and the fishermen's organisation are dealing with sea fisheries while in respect of island fisheries there are the Inland Fisheries Division, the boards of conservators, the Inland Fisheries Trust and the Foyle Fisheries Commission.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not prepared to consider this matter at the moment?
Question No. 16.
This is not a question that could be decided by the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary because the change would require legislation.
Could the legislation not be introduced by the Government?