Special Committee Fisheries Bill, 1938 debate -
Tuesday, 13 Jun 1939

SECTION 3.

Chairman

There is nothing in the Standing Orders to prevent the Chairman moving an amendment, and as there are certain Senators who have put down amendments and who are not on the Committee, I think, as a matter of courtesy, the amendments ought to be formally moved. With your leave, I formally move amendment No. 1 on the Order Paper, standing in the name of Senator Joseph Johnston :—

In sub-section (1), page 5, immediately before the word " trout " in line 44, to insert the word "brown."

I am not in a position to explain the amendment.

Mr. Counihan

Perhaps the Minister will explain it, if he has no objection to doing so.

Minister for Agriculture (Dr. Ryan)

The amendment is really not necessary. It would be rather upsetting to the fishery code in general if it were accepted, because, under the definition set forth in the Fisheries Act, 1850, and ever since, the definition of " salmon" has always included sea trout and the definition of " trout " means brown trout. It would be altogether out of line with previous legislation to pass this amendment. As a matter of fact, as things stand, we do exactly what Senator Joseph Johnston wants, that is, in the Bill as it stands " trout " means brown trout and does not include sea trout. However, if it is so desired it may be well to defer it until the Report Stage so that the Senator will have a chance of arguing it himself.

Chairman

I think the position would be that any Senator would be entitled to put it down for the Report Stage if he liked, but I think we must deal with it now.

The McGillycuddy of the Reeks

I think it is informative. I think Senator Joseph Johnston did not really know what it meant. Somebody explained that there are different kinds of trout, and there is an intruder which is a trout. They are defined in the Fisheries Bill and one requires a licence to catch them.

Mr. Counihan

I take it that Senator Johnston has heard the Minister's explanation.

Chairman

He will get a copy of the report.

Amendment declared negatived.

Section 3 agreed to.

Sections 4 to 8, inclusive, agreed to.