asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if protests have been received from Leitrim County Tourist Development Association about the charges for licences for coarse fishing; and, if so, what action he intends to take on the Association's complaint.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licences for Coarse Fishing.
41.
I received a resolution from the association on the subject and I replied that I would consider it carefully. May I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave Deputy Kyne on fishing licence fees on 28th April?
Which was?
He is going to drop it.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, 1966, which would give effect to this proposal, is before the Dáil and has as yet received only a First Reading. There will be ample opportunity to consider all aspects before it is finally enacted.
Would the Minister not inform the Dáil now, as I understand the members of the Fianna Fáil Party have been told to say throughout the country that the licence fee provision is to be dropped from the Bill?
There is no great secret about this and I do not think Deputy Sweetman will gain anything by adverting to such things. I have already indicated to deputations of all sorts, which have come to see me, that this particular proposal is under review.
Hear, hear.
And I indicated that in this House in reply to Deputy Corish. I am carefully considering the representations made to me about this proposal, particularly in the light of their possible effect on the tourist industry.
Hear, hear.
Why did the Minister not say that to Deputy McLaughlin a moment ago?
Would the Minister not consider that this is not going to do the tourist industry much good? The tourist traffic has started already.
I do not agree.
If the Minister had any sense now, he would drop it.