asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make the necessary arrangements to allow fishermen on the River Slaney from Ferrycarrig to Brownswood to start a month earlier in the season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing on the Slaney.
On the assumption that the Deputy refers to salmon netting operations, I would point out that it is not possible to make an alteration in the fishing season in any locality without holding a public inquiry. In January, 1938, this matter was the subject of a public inquiry held at Enniscorthy. After full consideration of the reasons advanced for and against a change in the opening date, it was decided to allow the existing season to continue.
Does the Minister know the men referred to in the question? Will he not consider letting them out in the middle of this month? These people are depending on their fishing for a living. Other people can come over and enjoy the salmon fishing higher up on the Slaney, but these men are prevented. Will the Minister have the matter considered again? On another occasion he made a promise to those fishermen on the Slaney that he would give them every facility—that was when he was in opposition.
It was not the only promise he made when he was in opposition.
If Deputy O'Leary will read the reply carefully he will find that I have not the decision in this matter. All I can do is to ask that an inquiry be held and if any interest makes a prima facie case to the effect that the fishery in general will be benefited by a change, a public inquiry will be held. When I was in opposition I promised the men on the River Slaney that if a prima facie case was made an inquiry would be held. As a matter of fact, an inquiry was held, but it went against the men.
Will the Minister arrange to have another inquiry held?
Yes, if a case is made.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of licensed bulls in the following classes:—(1) pedigree dairy, (2) non-pedigree dairy, (3) pedigree beef, (4) non-pedigree beef.
As bulls are inspected for licence only once and may subsequently be retained for indefinite periods, I am not in a position to state the total number of licensed bulls within the classes mentioned.
The numbers of the various classes licensed in 1944 are as follows:—
|
(1) Pedigree dairy |
399 |
|
(2) Non-pedigree dairy |
700 |
|
(3) Pedigree beef |
1,357 |
|
(4) Licensed bulls not included in the foregoing three classes |
7,876 |