asked the Minister for Finance the reason fishing, boating and mooring facilities are no longer provided free on Killarney lakes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney Lakes Facilities.
13.
The Commissioners of Public Works impose no charge for fishing, boating and mooring facilities in the Killarney lakes.
Would the Minister tell the House why he refused to meet a deputation of the boatmen in connection with this matter? Does he now publicly acknowledge that he was rebuked by the Taoiseach last Saturday when he tried to impose these restrictions?
First of all, the Deputy probably did not hear the answer to the question. I shall repeat it for his benefit:
The Commissioners of Public Works impose no charge for fishing, boating and mooring facilities in the Killarney lakes.
At no time did I refuse to meet anybody in Killarney. I got an official of my Department to meet them on several occasions and as regards fishing in Killarney, since my Department took over Muckross lake and Lough Leane there has been free fishing in that lake. It is free now as well.
Is the Minister now saying that there is no foundation for the report by the board to me and to other public representatives that those people should have a licence to fish and that he proposes to charge a fee for a licence?
We never looked for a licence for fishing——
Is the Minister saying publicly that he did not refuse to meet a deputation of boatmen as requested by Deputy John O'Leary?
The Deputy might be confusing fishing and boating on the lake.
It is all in the one question.
The Deputy should be specific. We are talking about fishing and boating. Officials of my Department met people in Killarney for discussions about boating in Killarney.
(Interruptions.)
For the Deputy's information I have made arrangements to meet the fishermen in Killarney.
Question No. 14.
(Interruptions.)
Is the Minister now publicly acknowledging that he does not know what he is doing?
(Interruptions.)