asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that a number of fishermen who sold fish on the Dublin fish market through the auctioneers there have had their cheques returned by the banks thereby creating undue hardship; if he will take steps to have this matter investigated immediately particularly in view of the fact that Bord Iascaigh Mhara are exercising pressure on the fishermen in relation to their hire purchase accounts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Return of Cheques .
651.
: I have heard reports that some fishermen who sold their fish through a particular fish auctioneering firm on the Dublin fish market had cheques returned by the banks because the firm in question ceased trading. These were private commercial transactions in which I have no investigatory or other functions.