asked the Minister for Lands whether a quantity of plaice and other fish was recently imported by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara; if he will state the price paid per stone for the plaice, and the price at which it was sold by An Bord to traders; and whether further licences have been issued for the importation of fish by An Bord.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Fish.
35.
Where home landings are insufficient to meet requirements, plaice and other fish are imported under licence by An Bord lascaigh Mhara and others. I do not know what particular transaction the Deputy has in mind but in any event the price paid and received by the board for fish is clearly part of the board's day-to-day operations in which I do not intervene.
Did I understand the Minister to say that it is now permitted, not only to Bord lascaigh Mhara but to others, to import fish and, if so, when was that decision made?
There has been an arrangement for some time between the wholesalers and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to import fish. It is an agreed arrangement, particulars of which it would take me too long to give.
Since when have the wholesalers been given the right? Is the Minister aware that heretofore the importation of fish was reserved to the board? Are the benefits going to the wholesalers?
The fish is imported by arrangement with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Does the surplus product go to the fund set up by the board or do the wholesalers get it?
Since the system has been changed, the Deputy will have to ask a specific question.
Was it since the Minister became responsible?
By you.
And by the Minister.
Do I understand that the Minister paid more to the foreigner than the local men?
No, the wholesaler gets it.