asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction of fishermen in Caherciveen and Dingle areas of County Kerry regarding the promotion of fish sales by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara; the action his Department is taking to promote the export of fish from these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Promotion of Fish Sales.
695.
I am not aware of the dissatisfaction referred to. Bord Iascaigh Mhara is the statutory body with primary responsibility for the overall development of the fishing industry. The board's export development strategy is part of an overall market development programme covering both home and export markets which in turn is an integral part of the board's plan for the development of the fishing sector. The board provides a wide range of financial, technical, educational, resource development and marketing services to the industry, from the catching stage through to final marketing of the product.
With the assistance of the board's activities Irish exports of fish and fish products are continuing to expand. Figures for the seven months ended 31 July 1984 indicate an increase in value of 15 per cent over that for the same period in 1983.