asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state when he proposes to put into operation Part V of the Fisheries Act, 1939, with reference to the salmon and eel fisheries in the Corrib.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fisheries Act, 1939.
The position is still as stated in the reply given to a similar question by the Deputy on 29th April last.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the owner of these famous salmon and eel fishing rights in Galway has been negotiating for the past month in London with a company for the sale of these rights? If that is allowed to happen, does the Parliamentary Secretary not think it worthy of consideration that an enhanced price will have to be paid to the new owners if the present owner succeeds in selling? Under the circumstances, would he not make it clear to would-be purchasers that the State intends to acquire these fishing rights for the use of the people of the country and that it would be a foolish proceeding on the part of any private individual or company, in London or elsewhere, to purchase these rights at the moment, thus giving the present owner a chance to get rid of them at a first-class price?
The Deputy is aware that the policy in relation to this matter is enshrined in the 1939 Fisheries Act and, therefore, knowledge of it should be available to most people who would be wealthy enough to contemplate a purchase of this large scale. I have indicated to interested persons who have approached me what the policy in the matter is and that the policy will be implemented as soon as it conveniently can be. I think I have indicated already that it is necessary to enact certain modifications and that when these have been enacted Government policy in the matter will then be implemented.