asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that under a recent order made by the Foyle Fishery Commission drift net fishermen are prohibited from using nets made of a twine finer than 10 lea 3 ply, and if, in view of the hardships which will be caused thereby to fishermen, he will make representations to the commission in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nets for Foyle Fishermen.
Regulations imposing the restrictions referred to by the Deputy were made by the Foyle Fisheries Commission on 26th January, 1954, under Section 13 of the Foyle Fisheries Act, 1952. These regulations were duly submitted to my predecessor as required by the statute and approved of by him. I am satisfied that the restrictions in question are necessary in the interests of the fisheries of the Foyle as a whole and cannot accordingly agree to reopen the matter with the commission as requested.