asked the Minister for Agriculture if, seeing that a glut of herring and mackerel is likely to arise in our coastal markets in the present season, he will take steps, through the Irish Sea Fisheries Association or similar organisations, to set up machinery for the curing of such surplus fish and make such valuable sea food available in this manner for export to the suffering countries in Europe.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Curing of Fish.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that recently there have been gluts of mackerel at Valentia Harbour which it has been found impossible to handle expeditiously and ship for consumption as fresh fish to the Irish and British markets with consequent payment of a very low price to the fishermen; and, if so, and in view of the acute food situation on the Continent, if he will institute inquiries with a view to finding a market for cured mackerel there.
I am taking questions Nos. 19 and 20 together.
I am aware that landings of herring or mackerel may at times result in a surplus over the requirements of our markets for fresh fish. Normally, the economical method of disposing of such surplus would be through the curing trade but, in present circumstances, intending curers would find insuperable difficulties in connection with obtaining supplies of barrels and salt. I am advised that suitable fish barrel staves will not be available for some considerable time to come and without proper barrels it will not be possible to undertake curing operations. There is little prospect, therefore, of our being able to cure fish for export to the Continent in the near future.
Would it be possible to get the barrels from outside and send them back full?
No. Inquiries have been made and I believe it is absolutely impossible to get barrels and, what is more, for the making of the staves, seasoned timber is necessary and it is not available.
And seasoned workers.
That means that it will be a long time before barrels will be available.