asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is yet in a position to acquaint the Dáil of his intentions in the matter of the promised legislation for the fishing industry, and of the probable date of the introduction of a measure towards this end.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - Future of the Fishing Industry.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state when it is proposed to introduce proposals for legislation to deal with fishery development in the Saorstát.
I am answering both these questions together.
I had hoped that it would have been possible to introduce this measure before the House rose, but this step has not been possible. The progress of the matter will not, however, be delayed on that account. Steps towards the promotion of the proposed association are on foot, and indeed, from the point of view of the better information of the House when considering the Bill, it will be more convenient that these arrangements should have then reached an advanced stage. The Bill itself will, I anticipate, be a comparatively short measure.
Can the Minister give any indication as to whether the Bill which he promised to introduce will embody comprehensive proposals in regard to the export brand for mackerel and the recasting of loans for fishermen of which he spoke this year?
The export brand for mackerel which is at the moment voluntary would not, if made compulsory, make such a difference as the Deputy seems to think. The position about legislation in this matter is that certain heads of a Bill were ready but it was discovered not so very long ago that most of the proposals embodied in these heads could be done without legislation and proceedings are being taken accordingly. The Bill, in fact, when it comes along will be merely a short measure in the nature of the transfer of property and other things from the Department to the association.
The Minister's statement is not an answer to my question as to whether there is any provision in the Bill to carry into effect the statement made by the Minister with regard to the recasting of loans and facilities for securing loans by fishermen as promised by the Minister some time ago.
The whole object of the association is to deal with questions of loans to fishermen, that is, that loans would be available to them without two solvent sureties as now required. The co-operative society will lend boats on the men's own security and will collect from them out of their takings. Whether that Bill or a separate Bill will deal with the branding of mackerel I cannot say off-hand.
Is the Minister aware that in County Mayo about two years ago his promises about a Fishery Bill were taken seriously by a large number of people?
The Minister is not officially responsible for that.
Will the Minister——
Question 31.
There is a question I want to get answered.
Question 31.
How am I going to get the information?
I do not know.