asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the efforts being made to assist in the reopening of Nigerian mackerel markets.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Nigerian Mackerel Markets.
20.
The issue of licences to Nigerian importers for the import of frozen mackerel is, of course, a matter for the Nigerian authorities. Close contact with the situation is being maintained by my Department and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara through the Irish Embassy in Lagos.
In view of the fact that close contact is being maintained, can the Minister indicate to the House the tonnage of mackerel which is in cold storage in Killbegs awaiting shipment to Nigeria?
I do not know the exact tonnage in cold storage but I think it is approximately 6,000 tonnes.
Will the Minister accept that in the middle of May 1986 we have only a few months left before the commencement of the next season? Is the Minister extremely worried about the fact that no licences have been obtained as yet by the processers? What efforts are being made by the Minister of his Department to assist these people?
As I have already stated in the original reply the issue of licences to Nigerian importers is a matter for the Nigerian authorities. Naturally enough we would like to see more import licences made available. The Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara are continuously in contact with the Irish Embassy in Lagos with a view to ensuring that whatever mackerel are in cold storage, and particularly the 6,000 tonnes in Killybegs, can be exported.
Has the Minister made any efforts to try to convince the Nigerian authorities to release some of these licences to the importers. Other countries are in a position to export mackerel to Nigeria and they are in the exact same position. It is obvious that their authorities have assisted them in some way. Would the Minister of State or the senior Minister consider leading a delegation of Irish processers to Nigeria to discuss on a Minister to Minister basis the possibility of obtaining these licences. Otherwise the industry, and particularly those involved in mackerel fishing, will be in a serious position and many of them could have financial difficulties.
I am aware of the position refererred to by Deputy Gallagher. He is as much aware as anybody else that the financial situation in Nigeria dictates what happens there. On the point suggested by the Deputy that processers and possibly the Minister should go to Nigeria, I will relay it to the Minister.