asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that buyers of cray-fish and lobsters refused, on the 5th instant, to take the catches of the Blacksod fishermen; and, if so, whether he will say what steps he proposes to take to safeguard this industry in the immediate future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shell-fish Industry.
I understand that a small landing of cray-fish at Blacksod on 5th instant was not purchased by a local buyer on the plea that, for the time being, market demands had fallen away. My information is that the buyer allowed the fish to be stored in his tank, so presumably they can be held for a reasonable time against improved marketing prospects. I am aware that cray-fish is not so highly esteemed here or in Great Britain as it is in France and other continental countries, and there is every reason to think that an outlet in that direction will be forthcoming very soon, as a result of the exertions of the Minister for External Affairs in promoting and successfully concluding the recent Franco-Irish Trade Agreement.