asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he proposes to introduce legislation dealing with inland fisheries; and the nature of the proposals he has in mind.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inland Fisheries Legislation.
31.
I expect to be in a position shortly to introduce legislation for the restructuring of our inland fisheries administration.
How soon does the Parliamentary Secretary propose to introduce this legislation, because he has been speaking about it for three years?
Within the next few months.
You will not be here then.
We may be back——
(Interruptions.)
Order. Deputy Daly.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the anxiety of people working in fishery boards about this proposed legislation, especially in relation to their conditions of employment? Will these matters be covered by the new legislation?
Conditions of employment have been covered to a great extent by the Department since we took office. The conditions of employment of employees in boards of conservators have been greatly improved when compared with the position obtaining when Fianna Fáil were in office.
There has been no change in their conditions of service.
I do not know if a 300 per cent increase in salary is significant enough to be deemed a change.
There has been no change in their conditions of employment.
Arising out of the statement made by the Parliamentary Secretary that legislation would be introduced within the next few months, have the heads of the proposed new legislation been approved by the Government?
I have informed the Deputy that the legislation will be introduced within the next few months. As he should be aware, no legislation is introduced until it is approved by the Government.
Is that an O'Donnelltype promise or will we really see it?
Yes.