asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that inshore fishermen are suffering considerable hardship as a direct result of the present system of marketing fish, and if he will investigate this matter with a view to the payment of a minimum price for fish to the primary producers and the improvement of fishermen's boats and gear.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Marketing System.
While satisfied that under the present system of marketing their catches the inshore fishermen are in a much better position than formerly, I feel that there is room for further improvement. Minimum prices for fishermen are one element of a general problem which I hope to have investigated at an early date by the Sea Fisheries Advisory Committee recently established by me, the personnel of which will shortly be announced. The directors of the Sea Fisheries Association are doing their utmost to expedite the supply of boats and gear to their members, and any assistance in that direction which I can give will be forthcoming. Supplies are subject to the paramount factor of availability and I am glad to say that the position in that respect certainly appears to be improving.