asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that grave discontent exists amongst farmers whose lands adjoin fishery grounds owing to the fact that the Land Commission have reserved the fishery rights under the Land Act of 1923; and if, in view of the hardship and loss caused to those farmers he will introduce proposals for legislation with a view to vesting these fisheries in the farmers concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Rights
I am not aware that there is any widespread demand amongst tenants whose holdings are the subject of proceedings under the Land Purchase Acts, 1923-1946, to have vested in them the fishing rights in waters adjoining or intersecting their holdings. Neither am I aware that any hardship or loss is caused to such tenants by the reservation of such rights on the revesting in them of their holdings. It is not intended to introduce proposals for legislation on the subject as the Land Commission have already ample powers to acquire and resell such fishing rights to the tenants of riparian lands should they deem it desirable, in the interests of the State, to do so.
Is the Minister aware that an injustice has been done to the farmers concerned in regard to this matter and is he prepared to enact legislation whereby these fisheries can be vested in the tenants at a reasonable cost?
I understand that the Land Commission have authority already to sell fishing rights in any particular place and if the Deputy is interested in any particular group of farmers who want to buy fishing rights and proper representations are made, I will have them examined.