asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that only 254 salmon went through the counter on the River Erne during 1978, and the steps he proposes to take with regard to restocking the River Erne.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Erne Salmon Stocks.
13.
I am so aware and am very much concerned at the position. A decision will be made shortly as to the measures to be adopted for the protection of our salmon stocks generally during 1979 and, in view of the gravity of the situation in the Erne estuary, special measures may need to be taken in this area. According to the scientific advice available to me restocking is not the best approach to the problem.
Has the Minister indicated or has he in mind what he is going to do about this problem
It is a very serious problem and we may have to take very drastic action in regard to it. There are a number of serious salmon problems and this is one of the worst in the country, the Erne.
Whatever he proposes to do to improve the situation, I would ask the Minister before doing it to have a full investigation on the spot, probably an inquiry in or around Ballyshannon in order to ascertain what the worst causes are. Regardless of what arises from that, would he take steps to ensure that the ESB would facilitate him and the fishermen by enabling fishermen's representatives at all reasonable times to check the counter in the fish pass at Kathleen Falls on the Erne because, whatever the truth is, the fishermen are far from satisfied that they always get the actual facts in regard to this particular counter. On occasion I have had to go down myself and try to find out for them. That is a stupid way to operate.
If there is bad information or communication on the ground, it is wrong and I shall certainly take that up. But the situation is serious. One of the options open is to have a complete prohibition on fishing there for a period.
That is why I asked in the first part of my supplementary question that before taking any such drastic action and indeed, immediately, the Minister would set in motion some sort of inquiry that might sit locally because there is more in this than meets the eye.
I shall certainly consider that. It is a constructive suggestion.
We are making very slow progress with Questions. Question No. 14.