asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he intends to take steps to protect the salmon in that part of the Erne River which flows through Northern Ireland in which lie the principal spawning beds, in view of the fact that the Erne Fishery Company will not protect the river in consequence of the recent legal decision affecting their title to the several fishery at Ballyshannon.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protecting Erne River Salmon.
I am endeavouring to arrange for the due protection of the spawning areas outside the area of the Ballyshannon Board of Conservators.
Arising out of the reply of the Parliamentary Secretary, I want to ask a very net question as to whether the Government contemplate taking any steps to protect that part of the river which flows through Northern Ireland in future owing to the fact that the bailiffs employed in that portion of the river are no longer operating because the conservators will not pay them in consequence of the recent decision affecting their title to the several fishery at Ballyshannon? Is it the intention of the Government to take protective measures to protect the rights of the people who have fishing along this river?
I have already answered the Deputy.
With great respect I wish to say that the Parliamentary Secretary's reply is entirely irrelevant. His reply does not answer the question I have asked and it is not a reply to it. I would be prepared to put down a question again if the Chair thinks that is the best course to adopt.
The Chair cannot force a Minister or Deputy to reply to any question.
Well, then I propose to put down the question again.