asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is satisfied that conservation measures now in force in this country are sufficient to protect salmon stocks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Stocks.
12.
The conservation of our salmon stocks is under constant review in my Department. As the Deputy is aware, during 1973 fishing by all engines other than rod and line was controlled by the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order, 1972, and the Control of Fishing for Salmon (Amendment) Order, 1973. In addition, a bye-law, which operated for 1973 only, curtailed the salmon fishing season.
As to the arrangements for 1974 and future years, I have recently held consultations with representatives of all sectors of the industry for the purpose of obtaining their views. These views will be taken into account in the formulation of future policy. The Deputy will appreciate that the level of conservation measures is dependent on the state of the stocks at any given time.
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's failure to reply to my queston, which, I would remind him, was a simple question— whether he was or was not satisfied that the present levels of conservation were satisfactory—may I ask him whether he thinks that the issue of large numbers of extra licences for drift netting along the south coast is conducive to the conservation of the species, which is very much in danger? Does he not agree that he would want to have conferences with people other than those who make a profit out of it and does he not also agree——
This is an omnibus question.
——that, while licences should be, in fairness, issued to people whose livelihoods depend on them, they should in no circumstances be given to people who have other means of living?
I am satisfied that the Control of Fishing for Salmon (Amendment) Order, 1973, was the correct one in the circumstances. As I have indicated, I consulted all interests and will formulate our policy for 1974 in the very near future. The Deputy can take it that salmon stocks are in very safe hands at present.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the wholesale issue of extra licences by him along the south coast in County Cork to every Tom, Dick and Harry who applied for them is conducive to the conservation of salmon in County Cork rivers?
It is quite evident that the Deputy is completely ignorant of the facts of the situation. There was no wholesale issue of licences in any part of the country, with the possible exception of County Cork, and licences were issued to those whom we felt were entitled to them by virtue of the fact that they were dependent substantially on income from fishing for their livelihoods.
Because they were in the Parliamentary Secretary's constituency.
The Deputy mentioned the Cork position.
You gave licences to all and sundry.
I want to inform him that I abolished the Cork Board of Fishery Conservators.
You gave licences to all and sundry in County Cork.
Since we are indulging in argument the Chair has no option but to pass on to the next question. Question No. 13.
In view of the recency of the regulations made by the Minister can the Parliamentary Secretary say what has arisen since to have caused a widespread reappreciation of the salmon net licensing set-up? Have unfavourable reports been received officially? Is the Parliamentary Secretary endeavouring to saddle the various groups throughout the country with the task of helping towards a decision that he is about to make to improve the situation?
Unlike the Deputy's party I do not propose to saddle anyone with decisions. I have consulted all the interests involved in the salmon fishing industry. Recently I met more than 400 members of the industry and had useful discussions with them. Their views were very helpful.
The Parliamentary Secretary met them six months ago.
The Deputy is not up-to-date with the news. I met them on Saturday week last.
As happens in relation to prices we hear of changes twice or three times in the one week.
Was it in Donegal that a licence was issued to a schoolboy?
I can prophesy that we will have a salmon in the bag this week. That should worry the Deputy more than salmon fishing licences.
Arising——
I have called Question No. 13. The Minister is about to reply.