asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the amount of money allocated for better landing facilities for fishermen at Bere Island, County Cork; when it is proposed to provide such improved facilities: and the amount of money already paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Landing Facilities.
23.
My Department has asked the Office of Public Works to furnish engineering reports and estimates of costs in respect of improvement works at three landing places on Bere Island, County Cork—Goleen, Illaun na gCaorach and Cloonaghlin. Until those reports are received and examined I cannot say what works may be approved or what money may be allocated for the improvement of those landing places in the fisheries interest.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the very dangerous condition of the three piers on the island and the number of complaints that have been made about the difficulty of loading either fish or agricultural produce on boats for the mainland? What money has been spent on those piers over the last number of years?
I cannot tell the Deputy what money has been spent on the piers over the past number of years.
None
I am awaiting a report from the Office of Public Works. That was requested on 18th April, 1975.
In the meantime, would the Parliamentary Secretary see that some small amount of work is done there immediately?
I can assure the Deputy that the Department are most sympathetic so far as improvement work particularly at Illaun na gCaorach is concerned and I hope to have the report within a relatively short period.
Did the Parliamentary Secretary say he has been awaiting a reply since April? Is this possible between two Departments? Where are we going at all with our fisheries?
April is only two months away. When the Deputy's party were in power replies were awaited for years. April 18th is only seven weeks away.
(Interruptions.)
Order. A final question from Deputy O'Connor.
How are we going to develop our fisheries if it takes two months to get a reply from one Department to another?
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.