asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his Department have any plans for research in mariculture, particularly in relation to oyster production; and if he will state the amount which has been provided for this work for 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mariculture Research.
14.
Planned research in mariculture, including oyster production, is an integral part of the fisheries development programme of my Department. A sum of £71,000 for fisheries research has been provided in the Fisheries Vote for 1976 part of which will be devoted to work on mariculture. The Department are also cooperating with a number of other bodies on projects having a maricultural research content.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House what amount has been set aside for this type of development? Can he also tell us whether any new staff have been recruited for this work?
As I indicated in the reply I have just read, a sum of £71,000 has been set aside——
For mariculture?
A sum of £71,000 for fisheries research has been provided in the Fisheries Vote for 1976 part of which will be devoted to work on mariculture.
How much?
That is not determined.
A Deputy
Can we read that in the Library too?
Have any new staff been recruited to deal with this work?
No. We have that staff already.