asked the Minister for Fisheries if he has a fishery plan for 1978; and, if so, if he will give details of such plan.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Fishery Plan .
3.
: The preparation of fishing plans is a matter for the EEC Commission and I understand that a draft plan for the regulation of herring fishing off the west coast of Ireland (ICES area VII b, c) in the current year has been approved by the Commission for submission to the Council of Ministers.
: Is the Minister prepared to give an undertaking that there will be no further restrictions on Irish fishermen fishing for herring off Donegal, Galway, Kerry and Waterford?
: I cannot give that assurance because there are herring bands in operation off certain parts of our coast.
: That was not my question. I want to know if there will be any further restrictions.
: Such bands operate in the Celtic Sea, as the Deputy is aware. Any restrictions necessary to conserve and protect our herring or other fish stocks will be taken by me on scientific advice and in the interests of Irish fishermen.
: Is the Minister telling the House that further restrictions have already been agreed by him with the Commission in Brussels and that he is not prepared to publish them?
: No. What I said was that if any restrictions are necessary to conserve fish stocks for the benefit of the livelihood of Irish fishermen and their families they will be taken by me.
: Does the Minister contemplate further restrictions on Irish fishermen with regard to herring fishing?
: Any restrictions that may be necessary on the evidence placed before me will be made by me. I have no hesitation in saying, and all sensible fishermen will agree, that that is the proper approach in the interests of the conservation of fish stocks. That is my fundamental interest and it is also the fundamental interest of Irish fishermen who want stocks to fish in the years ahead.
: Is the Minister suggesting that on the evidence presently available to him further restrictions will be necessary on Irish fishermen?
: This is a matter of continuing scientific investigation. Reports come to hand from time to time of the measures that need to be adopted with regard to conservation. For instance, we have taken such a measure in relation to the Celtic Sea and the Community have taken such a measure in relation to the North Sea. Partial herring bans have operated along various parts of our coast. That applies to other fish also when necessary. The whole effort of fishery policy at present must be geared towards the conservation of fish stocks and that is the only responsible attitude to take.
: I should like a specific reply to my question. On the evidence which the Minister has before him does he consider that further restrictions are now necessary?
: That is the same question.
: I did not get a reply to it.
: As of now this does not arise but if it does I will not hesitate to take the necessary action.
: Is the Minister saying that it does not arise as of now on the evidence available to him?
: As of now it does not arise, but if it does arise I will take the necessary action. The necessary action will also be taken by the Community.
: Will the Minister tell the House the geographical location of the block which he mentioned in the course of his reply?
: It runs from Belmullet to Loop Head, off the west coast of Ireland, generally. That is a very fruitful source of herring which we have retained for ourselves and the Dutch.
: I am glad the Minister mentioned the Dutch.
: It was a very fruitful source of income to Irish fishermen last year, thanks to our capable handling of the matter. I say that in all modesty. We ensured that such herring was available to Irish fishermen.
: Tell the fishermen about the 50 miles.
: The Dutch are very thankful.
: Is it the Minister's policy to get the Irish Navy to harrass genuine Irish fishermen?
: That is a separate question.
: It is not. I am dealing with fishery policy.
: The Irish Navy will deal with any criminal practices in regard to salmon fishing in the interests of the genuine traditional inshore salmon fishermen.
: Will the Minister give an assurance that genuine Irish fishermen will not be interfered with by the Irish Navy?
: Traditional genuine Irish fishermen will not be interfered with by the Irish Navy.
: Will the Minister tell the House why he granted a special concession to the Lismore Board of Conservators while at the same time did not give one to the Castletownbere area?
: The Deputy should put down a question about that.
: I will not. I am questioning the Minister about a fishery policy for 1978 which, obviously, he does not have.
: Is it correct to say that a promise was given to the fishermen of Castletownbere that they would get a similar concession?
: I am moving to the next question?
: What about a reply to my supplementary?
: The Minister ran for cover.
: The Minister is a fraud.