asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any plans for the expansion of the fishing fleet to engage in middle-water operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Fleet Expansion.
21.
A programme drawn up last year by my Department in conjunction with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara for the accelerated development of the sea-fishing industry contained certain proposals for the development of "middle-water" fishing operations. I am at present having a look at the programme.
Is the development the Parliamentary Secretary mentions being taken in conjunction with some other foreign country or countries?
This development is being taken on our own initiative. Naturally, we must have discussion on all aspects of fishing with representatives of foreign countries. It is not just a gracious act on our part; it is mandatory on us to do so in the EEC context.
The Parliamentary Secretary has now admitted that foreign interests may be involved in further expansion of our fishing industry. Will he ensure that in such a situation the livelihood of our fishermen will be safeguarded?
There is no question of any laxity on our part in safeguarding the livelihood of our fishermen. However, we must have consultation with fishery representatives from—to use the term the Deputy uses—foreign countries on conservation matters and on other important questions as well.
22.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any plans for the expansion of this country's fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department's programme for the development of the sea fishing industry envisages a substantial expansion of the fishing fleet. Increased State funds are being made available to an Bord Iascaigh Mhara this year for the provision of grant and loan assistance to fishermen towards the cost of new and secondhand vessels. At present the three boatyards operated by the board are working to full capacity and I understand that the privately-owned boatyards which engage in the construction of fishing vessels are also heavily booked.
Is it intended now to concentrate on the larger boats, that is, the 70 footers as against the 35 footers and so on?
This year the capital grants for boat building are increased by——
It is the boat size I am concerned about.
The boat size is not fully determined, because we would like, as far as possible, to meet the customers' demand. Some fishermen are anxious for bigger boats and others prefer to continue with the smaller size boat, and we like to facilitate them. We do not like dictating, and I am sure the board do not like dictating to a particular applicant the kind of boat he should acquire.
There is a tendency towards the bigger boats and, therefore, the plans that were made for harbour expansion some years ago might prove to be inadequate. Perhaps there could be more money spent on that end of it to ensure that the expanded fleet will at least have proper ports to go to.
I agree with the Deputy that bigger boats are desirable, because I think we should be moving out into the Atlantic a little more than we are doing. Anybody with that intention in mind will have the goodwill of the Department.
In view of the increased demand for bigger boats, could the boat building capacity here at home be increased in order to allow our fishermen to have home-built boats rather than have to go to foreign boatbuilding yards to purchase them?
The information at my disposal is that the existing boatyards should be able to measure up to our requirements, but we have, as I say, made some additional moneys available.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.