asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the estimated amount that the recent 10 per cent levy on salmon will raise and the schemes on which this money will be spent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Levy.
6.
Based on the average value of our salmon landings over the last four years the annual receipts from the salmon levy will amount to approximately £450,000.
The income from the levy, together with licence duties, fishery rates and a substantial Exchequer grant, will be utilised for the conservation and development of inland fisheries.
Does the Minister agree that this is a savage tax on fishermen and will he revoke this order?
I am not so aware.
Will he revoke the order?
I am not going to revoke the order.
The Minister speaks about conservation reasons. Does this mean that the total of approximately £450,000 will go back specifically into restocking our rivers to ensure that there will be more salmon around in future years?
It is not the intention that the income from the levy will be utilised for specific schemes. But I can assure the Deputy that the income from this levy, from licence fees and a very substantial grant from the Exchequer will find their way towards the improvement of our inland fisheries.
Is the Minister aware that when a previous Bill was debated in this House the Minister's predecessor gave an undertaking that any money collected by way of a small levy—and he was talking about 4 to 5 per cent at that time—would be directed specifically to restocking our rivers? Is the Minister further aware that when he speaks about conservation measures he is speaking about a very broad spectrum and that the Department of Fisheries should be sponsoring and financing that? This money, if it is to be collected at all—and I do not agree that it should be collected——
The Deputy is now making statements.
——must go into the development of our fishing stocks?
All moneys needed for the restocking of our rivers will be made available. I might point out also that when that Bill went through the House some months ago and I was questioned as to the size of the levy—I gave the House my opinion at the time—it did not seem to provoke the same amount of interest on that side of the House as it does now.
5 per cent.
If the Deputy will look at the records of the House he will see that I said 5 to 10 per cent.
Deputy Deasy.
Is the 10 per cent——
I have called Deputy Deasy for a supplementary.
A final supplementary. Is the 10 per cent going on imported salmon to this country as well?
Deputy White is on his feet firing questions all the time. That is not what Question Time is all about.
I am not aware of that. It is 10 per cent on the first and only sale of salmon.
What about imported salmon coming back into Ireland?
Any salmon sold in this country for the first time will be subject to 10 per cent.
Does that mean that——
I am sorry, Deputy. I have called Deputy Deasy.
I have asked the Minister a question and I am awaiting an answer?
Deputy White cannot remain on his feet firing questions one after another. That is not the way Question Time is conducted. I have called Deputy Deasy.
It involves the whole of the fishing industry and it is very important. Is the 10 per cent going on imported salmon coming back into this country? Yes or no?
I am not aware that the 10 per cent is on imported salmon but I will make inquiries.
The answer is that it is not.
A final supplementary from Deputy Deasy.
Has the Minister been requested by the Inshore Fishermen's Association to receive a deputation to discuss a possible modification of this levy?
Such a request has not yet been brought to my notice officially. I have seen indications in the papers all right but I have not had any official notice yet.
Will the Minister give an assurance that he will meet such a deputation if there is an official approach?
No such assurance is needed. Anybody who has asked to see me since I assumed this office has been given an opportunity to meet me at the first possible convenient date.
Question No. 7.
In view of the fact that the salmon season commences in a matter of days may I inquire whether the Minister might be in a position to meet these people urgently? Would the Minister be in a position to meet these people urgently, because it is asserted that the Minister has refused to meet them and if such a meeting is delayed for a week or ten days it will be too late?
I will meet them at the first opportunity I have.
Question No. 7.
I want to ask one question on this major issue.
We cannot remain on this question. We have had ten supplementaries.
If affects the whole of the fishing industry.
Does the Minister accept that the imposition of this substantial levy will have a devastating effect, particularly in view of the drop in prices now obtaining? Does he accept that it will put some people out of business?
I am not so aware. The drop in prices is being compensated for by the greater run of salmon this year than in other years.