asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of boat owners currently awaiting court proceedings; and the number of boats repossessed in 1979.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boat Repossession Proceedings.
86.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that there are 19 such cases pending and that five boats were repossessed in 1979.
How many cases? Is it 19 that the Minister said?
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that there are 19 such cases pending and that five boats were repossessed in 1979.
Were any boats repossessed in 1980?
I have not that information, but I do know that 8 per cent of the total debt is due on outstanding loans.
What does the Minister mean by that?
In other words, 92 per cent of the amount of the money has been paid, 8 per cent is outstanding.
Is the Minister aware that half of the boats owners are behind in their re-payments and how does he account for this 8 per cent he is talking about?
That information is not available to me here. The information available to me here indicates that the half that you mentioned is true.
The Minister gave me that figure a month ago.
What special arrangements are being made to permit, by way of moratorium or otherwise, fishermen in difficulties at the moment to hold on to their boats and thus retain their livelihood?
There is no provision for a moratorium on payments, but court action is only taken as a last resort. It can be said that An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are reasonably lax and helpful with regard to repayments.
Would the Minister recommend BIM to go easy on the fishermen, in view of the phenomenal increase in the cost of fuel?
My information on the evidence available to me is that there is no need for me to make such a recommendation. The attitude of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara has always been to go easy on fishermen and it still is.
Can the Minister tell the House how many skippers were taken to court by BIM and the decisions given by the court in favour of the skipper?
Five boats were repossessed and were resold last year and there are 19 such cases pending.
The Minister missed the point.
It is five o'clock.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.