asked the Minister for Fisheries the number of drift and draft salmon licences that were issued to Dingle fishermen in 1977; and the number in 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Licences.
21.
In each of the years in question eight drift net and three draft net salmon licences were issued to Dingle fishermen.
22.
asked the Minister for Fisheries the number of drift and draft salmon licences that were issued to Iveragh fishermen in 1977; and the number in 1973.
In each of the years in question one drift net and 51 draft net salmon licences were issued to Iveragh fishermen.
Is the Minister aware of the grave disparity in the number of drift net licences in Kerry compared with counties such as Waterford and Donegal? On that stretch of coastline we have ten drift net licences while the others have 500.
The distortion in the issuing of drift net licences is a matter that a Fine Gael spokesman should not dwell on because they were largely caused by Deputy Michael Patrick Murphy when Parliamentary Secretary in charge of Fisheries. He indiscriminately issued these salmon drift net licences to the detriment of the County Kerry fishermen.
I will not be lectured to by the Minister. Whatever about Michael Pat I am worried about what Minister Brian will do. The Minister should look into this problem because there are only nine licences in Kerry and more than 300 in Donegal and 250 in Waterford.
At present I am reviewing the whole chaotic situation with a view to having a rational system for the issuing of drift net licences in operation by 1978. It will be the first time in five years that a degree of rationality is introduced in the issuing of drift net licences.
The Minister will be a busy man.
There was no rationality in what Fianna Fáil left us with in 1973 when they left office.
How does the Minister propose to rationalise the situation? May we anticipate legislation in the matter and, if so, when?
The legislation which has been held up for the past four years is now practically ready. I hope to have that legislation ready for the Dáil before the end of the year. I look forward to a very fruitful debate on it in the early months of 1978.
Will it be in the immediate near future?