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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Feb 1968

Vol. 232 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Net Fishing Licences.

10.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will ensure, in respect of drift-net fishing licences in the Foyle area, that their cost will not be increased steeply as proposed, especially in view of the increase which took place last season.

11.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will request the Foyle Fisheries Commission to reduce existing net licence fees in the open sea in the Malin Head, Glengad and Inishowen Head areas to bring them into line with similar net licences in the rest of the State; and if he is aware that the Foyle Fisheries Commission have proposals to increase existing fees.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.

The answer in each case is that I am not prepared to take action in regard to drift net licences in the Foyle area on the lines suggested by the Deputy. I am aware that the Foyle Fisheries Commission have given notice of proposals to increase certain existing licence fees. Regulations to give effect to such proposals have not yet come before me, but when I come to deal with this matter I shall feel obliged to have regard to the commission's need to secure adequate revenue to pay for protection and improvement of the fisheries in the area.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, which I do not accept, the Minister represents the same constituency as Deputy Cunningham and myself and he must be alive to the proposals which the Foyle Fisheries Commission have in mind? Might I be bold enough to ask the Minister if he considers that the Foyle Fisheries Commission have a good claim for an increase in the licensing costs and if so would he give us his reasons why?

That seems to be a separate question.

First of all, I do not accept that the Deputy may just glibly say that he does not accept my reply. Whether he likes it or not, that is the reply. Secondly, he asks if he may be bold enough to ask a question but not whether he might be bold enough to make certain allegations and, thirdly, as far as increasing the licences is concerned this is a matter the details of which can be got for the Deputy. If he wishes, I will send them along to him.

I have got them. I am asking you if you will give your reasons why the costs should be increased?

The point about it is while you and I and Deputy Cunningham represent the same constituency——

Just forget about Deputy Cunningham and deal with my question.

The point I was making is that while we represent the same constituency as a member of the responsible Party in Government I have to take a responsible attitude in regard to those things.

May I be allowed to ask one further supplementary? Would the Minister ask the Foyle Fisheries Commission to investigate if it is possible for them to obtain this revenue by some other method? I am sure the Minister is as alive as I am to the fact that there are many alternative ways. Would the Minister not have the matter investigated?

I have already asked for all of this, but even at this late stage, if there is any other way I would be glad to look into it and if there is any other way to raise the revenue to carry out protection and other works, I would be most happy to find such a way. I have asked for it and I have not got it.

You are in favour of increasing the licensing fees?

This will not keep you one while longer in the constituency or get any extra votes.

I am not interested in votes.

(Interruptions.)

I have not got your bad habits.

You are learning fast.

You are in favour of increasing the licensing fees and you cannot get away from it.

I have a responsibility.

Responsibility is not your second name.

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