asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the reason why fishermen employed at the Crommane mussel plant, County Kerry, did not receive this year or last year the bonus which they obtained in previous years; and whether he will take steps to ensure that this bonus is paid to these men as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Crommane Mussel Plant.
I understand that owing to the falling off during the past two seasons in the quantity of suitable mussels brought by the local gatherers to the purification plant at Crommane, the volume of export from that plant has seriously declined with consequent loss of earnings. In these circumstances the directors of the Sea Fisheries Association found themselves unable to authorise payment of any bonus to the local gatherers.