asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry whether he is aware that the ban on the use of monofilament nets by salmon fishermen along our west coast is discriminatory since no such ban exists in other member states of the EEC; and if he will lift the ban forthwith.
Written Answers. - Monofilament Net Fishing.
255.
I do not accept that the prohibition on the use of monofilament nets for salmon fishing is discriminatory. A similar prohibition exists in parts of Britain and I understand that the extension of the prohibition to a further area there is under consideration. The use of monofilament netting for salmon fishing has been prohibited in Northern Ireland since 1969.
Salmon conservation measures in operation are kept under review in my Department and in that context I am having the prohibition considered.