§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Vice-President 964 of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he can say whether he will institute an inquiry into the necessity for a queen's gap in the weir in the River Deel at Askeaton, in the county of Limerick, so that the salmon may have easy access to the upper reaches of the river; and, if so, whether those interested in fishing may give evidence at it.
§ THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR IRELAND (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL, Tyrone, S.)The Department fail to see the utility of such an inquiry, as they have no power to compel any alteration to be made in the weir referred to; but if those interested in the fisheries of this river can make arrangements with the present occupier—such as by compensating her for the deterioration of her fishery which would most probably result from carrying out the desired alterations—the Department will give any assistance they can in the matter.
§ MR. JOYCE (Limerick)Cannot the hon. Gentleman see his way to holding the inquiry into the fishery of the Shannon promised by the late Chief Secretary?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLasked for notice of the Question.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this weir being perpendicular, fish cannot get to the upper regions of the river? What steps will be taken to remove the complaints in regard to this?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLThe Department have no legal power in the matter.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLYes, but no result could possibly follow.