Nuala Fennell
Question:16 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for the Marine the per capita consumption of fish by Irish people in the years 1975, 1985 and 1989.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Consumption.
the final figure for estimated per capita consumption of fish for 1989 is not yet available. The figures for 1975, 1985 and 1988, as estimated by BIM, are:
|
Year |
Per capita fish consumptions |
|
1975 |
11.5 lbs. |
|
1985 |
14.2 lbs. |
|
1988 |
15.3 lbs. |
I join my colleagues in warmly congratulating the Minister on his appointment. Will the Minister agree that the figures — particularly the last figure — are very poor given our island location? They indicate a failure in policies for supply, distribution and marketing of fresh fish. Will the Minister admit that there is a need to set up a separate structure to improve the availability of fresh fish through local fish markets, as exists in other countries? Is he aware of the great difficulty people have in getting fish outside the main shopping areas? Will he agree that many people would have to buy a fishing rod to ensure a supply of fresh fish regularly?
The Deputy's question is essentially statistical and matters of policy, strictly speaking, should not arise.
I agree that we should be eating more fish. The figures for Denmark, Portugal, Japan and Spain are 100 lbs., 87 lbs., 82 lbs and 56 lbs., respectively. Of course, tourists' consumption considerably boosts those figures. However, the graph in this country in relation to per capita consumption of fish is rising and I do not think that Bord Iascaigh Mhara are falling down in regard to marketing. I do not like mentioning names — I might come under your stricture, a Cheann Comhairle — but Miss O'Boyle is a very good propagandist and a scientific officer of Bord Iascaigh Mhara doing trojan work to try to develop the per capita consumption of fish.
Perhaps BIM need more money or a change of policy because they concentrate on fish exports. I was in County Wexford during the summer and I had to travel miles to get fresh fish. Is the Minister aware of the difficulties experienced by people in that part of the country — and other parts near the coast — getting fresh fish? Perhaps BIM could be given a new responsibility to examine the lack of availability of fish outside Dublin.
I appreciate what the Deputy is saying. However, BIM are conscious of this and have several methods for improving the situation in this regard. For example, I was asked to open a "Focus on Fish" week in O'Connell Street, Dublin recently and we had all sorts of primeval monsters from Galway parading in the street to advertise fish. A very good calendar, one of the recipes from which I cooked, was also distributed. I should have waited for 1991, but there is not a ban on using it. The efforts of BIM to increase consumption in the home market are very good and a good deal of money has been allocated for that purpose. As well as that the processing of fish is developing considerably to the extent that some species of our production have wiped out imports of certain species.
I congratulate the Minister on his appointment as Tánaiste. I have every confidence that he will execute that job with dignity, skill and scholarship. I am also delighted to learn that the Minister is developing his culinary skills. Has the Minister had any-contact with the Minister for Education in relation to educating young people on the value of fish, thus encouraging its more frequent use? I am sure the Minister will agree that our historical background in relation to fish is not conducive to its use. We tend to associate fish with famine and historically distasteful events. Will the Minister consider liaising with the Minister for Education to create a more positive attitude to the use and consumption of fish?
The Deputy's suggestion is good. The campaign that started with the "Focus on Fish" week caters especially for the promotion of fish with recipes for children.