P. J. Sheehan
Question:6 Mr. Sheehan asked the Taoiseach the amount of fish imported in frozen, smoked and canned form for each of the years from 1995 to 30 June 1997. [22236/97]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Fish Imports.
The information requested by the Deputy is given in the following table.
|
Imports of Fish (tonnes) |
|||
|
1995 |
1996 |
Jan-June 1997 |
|
|
Live fish |
174 |
136 |
244 |
|
Fresh fish |
2,649 |
5,889 |
4,004 |
|
Frozen fish |
9,897 |
2,563 |
2,878 |
|
Smoked or dried fish |
1,242 |
1,504 |
804 |
|
Prepared or preserved fish (including tinned) |
10,093 |
10,487 |
4,978 |
|
Shellfish and crustaceans |
3,288 |
4,521 |
1,544 |
|
Total |
27,343 |
25,101 |
14,450 |
Imports of fish from January to June 1997 amounted to 14,450 tonnes while exports amounted to 279,393 tonnes. The value of fish imports in 1996 was £51.4 million while the value of the fish exports in that year was £240 million.
Those figures are alarming. We have sufficient fish to be self-supporting. The Minister should seriously consider the diversification of production plants to ensure we cater for the Irish market in smoked and canned fish. The canning industry is lagging behind that of our European counterparts. Has the Government plans to develop the fish canning industry?
I am paid only to count the number of fish imported and exported. I do not deal with the policy issue involved.
Perhaps that question should be put to the Minister for the Marine. Has he plans to develop the fish industry, with particular regard to smoked and canned fish? We imported £51.4 million worth of fish in 1996, but we should be self-supporting in fish, particularly with herrings at a rock bottom price of £3 per box.
The question should relate to the Minister's responsibility.
I will have to refer to the matter in my budget speech this evening.
That concludes questions to the Taoiseach.
For the sixth week questions on drugs have been put down to the Minister, Deputy Flood—
I am anxious to answer them.
I am sure he is anxious to answer them, but it is unacceptable that they cannot be taken because of the rules of the House.
I appreciate that, but it is a matter for Members as to the number of questions they want answered. I share your concern that we are not dealing with a sufficient number of questions.
(Dublin West): Will the Ceann Comhairle's office request the Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy Flood, to take questions next week on the Cabinet sub-committee on drugs? The danger is that next week the Taoiseach's questions will again push those questions to the end of the agenda and they may not be dealt with. Deputies who represent areas affected by heroin wish to ask questions and voice their concern.
As I pointed out to Deputy Rabbitte, I am anxious that answers be given to a greater number of questions. This is not a matter for the Ceann Comhairle's office, he has no responsibility in that regard. There are other ways of raising questions such as on the Adjournment. If the Deputy wishes to consult the Ceann Comhairle's office he will be advised of that.
Mr. Hayes
Is it in order for me to resubmit Question No. 10, to be taken next week in the House?
Yes, I will note that.
I understood that the Taoiseach answers questions on Wednesdays until all the questions have expired, unless we reach priority questions.
There are 45 minutes available for Taoiseach's questions on Tuesday and Wednesday. Following that, we move directly to priority questions, for which there are 20 minutes, and ordinary questions are taken until 4.15 p.m.
I accept your ruling, but it is a change from the previous position.
The timing for questions is laid down in Standing Orders.