asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has had any reports that salmon poachers are now using cans of cyanide which they tip into the rivers, often killing more fish than they can take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Poaching.
91.
Reports have come to the notice of my Department from time to time of the use of cyanide in rivers for the purpose of poaching salmon.
Is the report I have had correct that when cyanide is used all the fish that are killed cannot be taken away, the destruction is so great?
As the Deputy has stated, the destruction is great. The cyanide acts through the gills. The fish killed in this way, according to my reports, are edible but they go off very rapidly. It is the worst form of destruction and the boards are extremely concerned about it. They brought some people to court recently. Twelve people were apprehended and 57 fish were confiscated. They were convicted, heavy sentences were imposed and appeals have been lodged. The courts take a serious view of this type of offence. The courts are mindful of the fact that cyanide is a deadly way of destroying salmon.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say what type of sentences were handed out to those so-called sportsmen—were they long prison terms or were they fines?
My report is that "heavy sentences were imposed". That indicates periods of imprisonment.
On a point of order, I wish to protest against your decision in refusing to allow me to raise the question of the expulsion of Alexander Solzhenitsyn——
The Deputy gave me no notice of his intention to raise this matter.
I informed you but the reason I was given was that a motion is pending in the House——
The Deputy may not question a decision of the Chair in this fashion.
I have to accept your decision but in view of the Government's——
The Deputy may not raise it in this fashion. The Deputy will please desist from any reference to the matter.
This is the place to raise such matters——
It is disorderly for a Deputy to raise a matter in this fashion. The Deputy knows he is being disorderly.
In view of this attitude, I wish to place my protest on record.
The Deputy must desist from any further reference to it. This is Question Time.
Arising out of the point raised by Deputy O'Kennedy, perhaps you would indicate when it is likely he will be able to raise this matter.
The Chair would require prior notice of that.
In three months time?
When it will be too late.