asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, in relation to the EEC proposals for the provision of the building of 300 steel-hulled boats, he will state the proposed number envisaged for construction in Arklow, County Wicklow.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Boat Construction.
26.
Under the Government's programme for the development of the sea fishing industry, it is envisaged that 300 boats of all sizes will be added to the fishing fleet during the period 1976 to 1979. It is a matter for each boat purchaser to choose the boatyard at which he proposes to have his boat constructed, whether it be a steel-hulled vessel or not. Consequently, it is not possible to to state the number of boats which will be constructed in any particular boatyard.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if there are specific proposals from the Department in relation to design and weight of trawlers?
The Deputy's question relates to boats to be constructed in Arklow and, as I indicated, it is up to each skipper to determine in what yard the boat will be built. Therefore, it is up to the proprietors of the Arklow yard to try to get as much custom as possible for their yard. BIM do not give any advice to applicants who qualify for grants as to what yard their boat should be built in.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary would agree that there is a need for some form of overall plan for the construction of these trawlers. Is Arklow part of this overall development plan? I should also like to know if the development plan is available to the Federation of Marine Manufacturers and others interested.
Arklow boatyard is a recognised one but it is not the Department's or the BIM's function to say to an applicant, irrespective of where he comes from, that he must build his boat at Arklow. We do not intend to give any directions to approved applicants as to where their boats should be built.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary comment on my question relating to an overall development plan? Is it being made available to the federation and others? When will the construction of the 300 steel-hulled boats and other ships get under way?
I replied to that question last week. That information is now public and I am sure all boatyard owners are in possession of it. Our aim is in accordance with our fisheries policy, to build the additional boats within the next three years. I am hopeful that it will mean additional work at all the boatyards, public and private. When I say "public" I am referring to BIM.
Question No. 27, to the Minister for Labour.
An bhfuil an tAire sa tír?
(Cavan): Tá sé ag obair go crua.
I suggest we adjourn the House until the Minister is present.
Cá bhfuil an tAire ag obair?
Níl sé ag obair don Roinn atá aige.
We shall proceed to Question No. 28 in anticipation of the Minister arriving.