asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is aware that the boat-building yard at Meevagh, Downings, Co. Donegal, is in arrears with the building of boats for the Sea Fisheries Association, and, if so, whether he will arrange for the engaging of additional boatwrights so that the work may be speeded up, and employment given to many people from this district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boat-building in Donegal.
I am looking into the suggestion of the Deputy that the staff at the Meevagh, boatyard should be increased.
Arising out of the reply of the Minister, would he consider the acquisition of boats from persons who purchased them by way of loan, and who now find themselves, owing to the collapse of the herring fishing industry, in the position that they are unable to pay?
That is an entirely different matter, and could only arise from a different set of circumstances. Additional men have been taken on for the purpose of dealing with boat-building or it is contemplated to take on additional men for that purpose, but the matter to which the Deputy refers is quite different.