asked the Minister for Lands why An Bord Iascaigh Mhara have, without any prior notice to the skippers and crews of the Gaeltacht fishing boats, particularly the Árd Macha, increased the shares deducted by the board from the net takings of the boat to seven and a half shares from the original five and a half shares deducted heretofore; if this has been done on his direction; and, if so, if he will state the reason for discrimination against the fishermen of the Gaeltacht.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gaeltacht Fishing Boats: Shares Deducted.
31.
I am informed that the number of shares being retained by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara has been increased from five and a half (i.e., 5½/12 of net earnings) to six and a half (i.e., 6½/14 of net earnings) in the case of the Árd Macha because of an increase in the number of the crew (including skipper) from six to seven. The change is in accordance with the conditions of employment of the skipper and did not call for a direction from me. There is no question of discrimination.
32.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will confirm that it is a condition attached to the granting of the fishing boat, Árd Macha, to the skipper thereof that one half share of the net profits of the boat deducted by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara will go to the credit of the deposit on the purchase of the boat should the skipper decide to purchase.
The conditions of employment of the skipper in question do not provide for crediting any sum towards a deposit for the purchase of the boat.