asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will take steps to assist the fishing industry in County Donegal under the following headings: (a) the allocation of some of next year's Regional Fund for fishery development in the county, as nothing was given from this year's allocation (b) similar subsidies for fuel oil, etc. as are given by other countries and (c) provision of better marketing and transport facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Fishing Industry.
37.
My Department and the other State agencies involved are at all times concerned to ensure that the Irish fishing industry in all its aspects operates under the most favourable conditions. The level of State aid being given to the industry is generous by comparison with other European countries. The Department will be submitting fishery development projects for consideration in connection with the allocation of next year's regional fund.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate why, apparently, fishery projects were not submitted in respect of the allocations from the regional fund for this year?
The Department did submit fishery projects this year and these projects are under consideration for grants next year.
I would like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary a question arising out of his reply to the question regarding the development of fisheries in County Donegal. Could he—perhaps, he cannot just now—let me know why some of the harbours that were destroyed by storm damage in January, 1974, have not yet been put into a condition in which they may be used by the boats?
The Deputy should specify the harbours he has in mind and give notice of that question because, as he will appreciate, I have not the information with me now.
Rossbeg and several others.