asked the Minister for Lands whether he has seen reports to the effect that fish has been dumped back into the sea in County Cork because fishermen are unable to secure a reasonable price for the fish; whether he is aware that persons in other areas throughout the country are unable to purchase fish because of the prices charged therefor; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this chaotic state of organisation in the fishing industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sea Dumping of Fish.
49.
I have seen a reference to this matter and understand that the fish in question was sprat which had been caught in the mistaken belief that a cannery would be in a position to take it. I am not aware that there is demand for sprat throughout the country. Nor do I think that this isolated incident indicates a chaotic state of organisation in the fishing industry.
Has the Minister seen reports in the Irish Press to the effect that fishermen along the western coast have stated that it is not worth while putting to sea because of the low price for fish, whereas in Dublin and in provincial centres people cannot afford to pay the high price for fish?
In many of these Press reports I notice they use the word fish without specifying a particular type of fish. In so far as my information goes this is the basis of the complaint raised by the Deputy and it was sprat that was concerned.
Would it not be more accurate if the Irish Press always used the word “stinking” fish?
I am sure the Deputy is a more constant reader of that paper and is more familiar with it than I am.
Various people like various forms of purgatorial exercises.