asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of salmon driftnet licences which have been issued by the Ballina, Bangor and Ballinakill fisheries boards, County Mayo, for 1975 and 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Licences.
27.
The number of drift net licences issued for 1975 by the Ballina, Bangor and Ballinakill Boards of Conservators was 108, 25 and 35 respectively. The Ballina Board has allocated 108 drift net licences for 1976. The Bangor and Ballinakill Boards will be meeting within the next few weeks to allocate drift net licences for 1976 in their districts.
I take it from the reply that there has been no increase in the number of licences issued to fishermen in the Ballina area. Will the Parliamentary Secretary say why during the by-election campaign he urged fishermen in that area to make applications and that he would see the licences were granted?
I do not recall having urged them to make applications and that they would get licences. There is no foundation for the Deputy's statement.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary like to go down there now and tell them that?