asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the economic plight of the Beara Peninsula, he will consider the basing of trawlers there, and the setting up of a canning, smoking and quick-freeze plant.
Written Answers. - Economic Conditions in Beara Peninsula.
Mr. Walsh
My Department does not operate fishing trawlers. The position as to the fishing boats to be operated by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara was given in my reply to the Deputy on 11th June last. The establishment of fish-canning and fish-curing industries is a matter for private enterprise. As regards quick-freeze plants the position is that until sufficient experience has been had of the results accruing from the operation of the small plant installed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara at Killybegs with the object of testing the possibilities for such plants at other centres I would not feel justified in asking the board to consider the setting up of a quick-freeze plant elsewhere.
The Dáil adjourned at 11 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Friday, 24th October, 1952.