asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity and value of fish meal processed and manufactured in the fish meal plant at Killybegs since the plant was opened in July, 1952.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killybegs Fish Meal Plant.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that the experimental fish meal plant at Killybegs commenced production late in October, 1952, and that to the end of April, 1953, the output of fish meal was 450 cwt., valued at £1,298.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at this very moment, off Tory Island, matje herrings are procurable which would be ideal for the processing of fish meal and will he ensure that the board will utilise this plant by requesting the fishermen to fish these herrings, guaranteeing to them that they will be bought by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for manufacture into fish meal?
I can inform the Deputy that both herrings and mackerel are being used recently in the manufacture of fish meal.
Why do they not buy the herrings being caught off Tory Island, some of which are being dumped?
The fish meal factory was not set up for the sole purpose of operating the fishing industry for the supply of raw material for fish meal manufacture. The Deputy knows that fish meal manufacture is an ancillary industry and subsidiary to the general fishing industry.
Neither was it set up as an ornament.
It has not been an ornament but a very useful industry.
Four hundred and fifty cwt. of fish meal!
The Deputy knows also that the fish meal manufacture is avery seasonal activity and is confined mainly to the summer months.
We will extend the season, if you buy these fish from us.
It depends a lot on the weather.
Which is very good at the moment.