asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, having regard to the fact that in this island country our people cannot get fish in adequate quantities and that when it is available, excessive prices are charged for the limited supplies, he will set up a commission to inquire into all aspects of the fishing industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Industry.
While there may have been grounds for complaint in the past as to the quantity of fish available when, due to weather conditions, landings by our fishing boats were restricted, I do not agree that any scarcity of supplies has been experienced in recent months which did not also occur in neighbouring countries, as the Sea Fisheries Association have been importing considerable quantities of fish to make up the deficiencies in home supplies. I do not accept the statement that prices are excessive, but they are fixed sufficiently high to render the inshore fishermen on our own sea coast economically independent. An opportunity to discuss fully these matters will be available when the Sea Fisheries Bill, 1950, is before the House for Second Reading, and I do not in the circumstances see that any useful purpose would be served by setting up a commission as suggested by the Deputy, as I believe the intensive development contemplated under this new Sea Fisheries Act will, within a reasonably short time, cater fully for our domestic requirements.
In view of the very diverse views held by people in respect of the fishing industry, will the Minister have some inquiry held before he introduces further legislation dealing with this industry?
Perhaps the Deputy is not aware that for the past 12 months there has been a fisheries advisory committee representative of all interests, which, I can assure the Deputy, have fully ventilated a multitude of diverse views.