asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the bad conditions prevailing in the fishing industry on the West Cork Seaboard; and if, in view of the improverished state of those dependent on fishing in that area, he will not proceed with the proceedings threatened against the fishermen and their sureties, liable for loans for boats and gear supplied, or if he will consider the advisability of remitting completely the balances unpaid after the revision carried out under the Fisheries (Revision of Loans) Act, 1931.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Fishermen's Unpaid Loans.
I am aware that conditions in the fishing industry on the West Cork seaboard are not satisfactory and have, therefore, directed that collection on foot of fishery loans shall be carried out with the minimum of hardship upon the borrowers and their sureties. I believe that in some cases payment of the total amounts due would be impossible for the parties concerned, but I am satisfied that most of them are able to pay something. The Deputy may take it that every case is being dealt with on its merits, and in such circumstances I cannot undertake to forgo legal proceedings where those who can pay refuse to do so. It follows that I am not prepared to consider the complete remission of all balances outstanding on these accounts.