asked the Minister for Fisheries whether he will make by-laws amending the existing by-laws in relation to the close season period for eel-fishing, by altering the existing period of 1st January to 1st July to a period of 1st January to 1st May.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EEL-FISHING.
The close season for eels from the 1st January to 1st July is the close season in parts of the Limerick fishery district other than the River Shannon. No application has been made to me to alter this. Applications were made for changes in the close season for eels in the Shannon, which are under consideration, and on which I hope to be able to announce my decision in a few days.
Is the Minister aware that this regulation has injuriously affected a large number of families living at the following lakes:—Derravaragh, Iron, Ennel, Owel, Glore, Sheelin, and on the banks of the Shannon; that May and June are the best fishing months on the lakes, which are dirty and weedy from July on, and that there was no close season before and no £2 licences, and that this fact did not interfere with the supply of eels?
I do not know to which portion of my reply the Deputy is referring. If he is referring to portions of the Limerick fishery district other than the Shannon, no application has been made to me to alter the by-law. If an application is made steps will be taken with regard to it, the same as have been taken in connection with applications regarding the close season on the Shannon—that is, a fishery inspector will hold an inquiry, and he will report to me, and a by-law will or will not be made in accordance with his report.
I would point out to the Minister that these lakes are under the Limerick Board.