asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will indicate the fishing districts where the numbers of drift nets have been reduced for the present season; and the districts where the numbers have been increased for the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drift Net Licences.
85.
Under the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order, 1973 the maximum number of drift net licences that may be issued by each board of conservators during 1974 is the number of such licences that were validly issued by each board in the previous season. Accordingly, there can be no question of an increased number of drift net licences being issued by any board during 1974. As all boards of conservators have not yet completed the allocation of licences for 1974, it is not possible to indicate the fishery districts where the number of drift nets may be reduced for the present season.
Can I take it that on the assumption that everyone who had a licence this year will be seeking a new licence there can be no hope for any new entrants?
That is so on the assumption that everybody who got a licence last year will be successful this year. Unfortunately, such a situation would not allow consideration to be given to applicants for new licences.
Could I appeal to the Parliamentary Secretary to keep an open mind on such new applicants? There may have been applicants who were not successful last year and my appeal is that there would not be a completely closed mind and that meritorous cases would be considered.
I appreciate very much the Deputy's point of view, which coincides with mine. There are undoubtedly very worthy applicants who last year were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, because of the extreme nature of the conservation measures and the necessity to limit the number of licences issued, the boards have to refuse very worthy applicants. However, it is not a completely closed shop. For instance if a person dies, the boards have discretion to re-issue his licence to a member of his family. The Deputy brought this to my attention some time ago and it is being done.
86.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange for the issue of a salmon drift net licence to a person in County Galway (name supplied).
The issue of salmon drift net licences is a matter for boards of conservators without the need for reference to my Department. I understand, however, that the person referred to in the question did not fulfil the qualifications prescribed in The Control of Fishing for Salmon Order, 1973, and the board had no option, therefore, but to reject the application.
87.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of drift net licences issued in County Galway for 1974.
The number of drift net licences issued to date to fishermen in County Galway in respect of the 1974 season is 36.