asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the serious situation caused to those engaged in lobster and shell fishing due to the cancellation of all orders by the French importers, he will make representations to the French authorities to reconsider the matter or endeavour to obtain an alternative market for these fish, as he is no doubt aware that the sudden withdrawal of the market has caused the gravest anxiety among the fishermen in all parts of the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Market for Lobsters and Shell-fish.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the recent ban on the import into France of shell-fish is adversely affecting the shell-fish industry along the south-west, north-west and western coasts to such an extent that up to 600 fishermen on the west coast alone will be without a market during the coming season and if he will cause immediate representations to be made to the French Government to have crayfish, lobster and other shell-fish from Ireland excluded from the ban.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together. Representations have already been made to the French Government with a view to obtaining adequate import facilities for crayfish and lobsters following their withdrawal, in common with a considerable number of other products, from the list of goods which may be imported into France without quantitative restriction.
I wonder if the Parliamentary Secretary—this does not strictly arise out of the question— through the Minister for External Affairs would inquire as to the possibilities of finding a market for lobsters and shell-fish in Switzerland, particularly for the hotel trade in the summer. I understand that there is a possible market there.
That is a separate question.
All I wish to say is that the Fisheries Department are giving that matter, as well as the matter in hands, very active attention. If we can find an alternative outlet we will be only too happy to avail ourselves of it and inform the lobster exporters.
I should like to impress upon the Parliamentary Secretary that this is a very urgent matter. There are 10,000 crayfish and lobsters in store and there is a danger that they will be lost to the trade if they are not permitted to be exported immediately.
I can tell Deputy Mannion that I am perfectly aware of the situation. I know how serious it is from my own personal knowledge of the place mentioned by the Deputy. We have done everything possible up to the present that it is possible for us to do and we will pursue our efforts as vigorously as we possibly can.