asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will substantially increase the fine for the illegal catching and selling of small oysters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oyster Industry.
32.
The matter is being considered in my Department in conjunction with a number of other legislative proposals concerning fisheries.
I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the waterkeepers caught fishermen and buyers of oysters with 110,000 illegally caught oysters in Tralee Bay area this season and for that reason I am sure he will agree that it is important to have a licensing system for the buyers.
I am aware of the position in Tralee Bay and I should like to tell the Deputy that 32 court prosecutions are pending. The Deputy can be assured that in the forthcoming legislation on inland fisheries fines will be increased.
33.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will introduce a licensing system under which bulk commercial buyers of oysters would be required to have a licence.
I do not consider that the introduction of a licencing system as suggested by the Deputy is warranted at present.