§ MR. N. MURPHY (Kilkenny, S.)I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculutre (Ireland) whether he is aware that a net has been placed across the River Nore at Inistioge by Colonel Tighe, obstructing the passage of fish to the disadvantage of fishermen plying their trade on other parts of the river; and whether, seeing that several complaints have been made in connection with this net, steps will be taken to have it removed, or otherwise so used as not to injure the fishermen referred to.
§ THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL,) Tyrone, S.The only illegality indicated in the question is the stretching of the net entirely across the river. The Department have been informed that the net is not so used. The local Board of Conservators and the Constabulary were last year instructed to keep the manner of its use under observation with a view to the detection of any illegality in connection with it. If any person is prepared to prove before magistrates at Petty Sessions 1098 that this net during its use has been stretched entirely across the river or used in any illegal manner the Department will request the Conservators to see that proceedings are instituted.
§ MR. N. MURPHYArising out of the Answer, might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that watchmen are employed on both sides of the river on elevated platforms, erected by Colonel Tighe, for the purpose of signalling to those in charge of the net whenever those watchers can discern a fish approaching towards it.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLI am not aware of it, but I will see what can be done.
§ MR. JOYCE (Kilkenny)Will the Vice-President inquire if the law which requires a proper king's gap to be reserved is observed.
§ MR. RUSSELLThe complaint in this case is that the king's gap is not sufficient.