asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that a number of salmon fishermen in Helvick, County Waterford, have had their livelihood affected by their licences being suspended for three years; and if there are any circumstances in which he could intervene to have their licences restored to them.
Written Answers. - County Waterford Fishermen.
496.
I am aware that four fishermen from Helvick, County Waterford, have been disqualified by the courts from holding salmon fishing licences for three years following conviction for fishery offences.
The Fisheries Act, 1980, prescribes that the courts shall make an order declaring that a person convicted of a second offence under certain sections of the Fisheries Acts shall be so disqualified and I am not empowered to intervene.