§ MR. HUGH LAWTo ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has received information that a steam trawler has recently been trawling day and night in and about the entrance to Sheephaven Bay; whether complaints have been received of damage to fishermen's nets; and whether he will take steps to prevent a continuance of the practice.
(Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) Steam trawling is at all times prohibited in Sheephaven between Breaghey Head and Rinnafagla. In the area between that line and a line from Norn Head to Rinnafagla it is not prohibited, save when large shoals of mackerel or herrings have set in there, and while boats are at such times using drift nets for the capture of these fish. No complaint of illegal trawling in Sheephaven, or of consequent injury to fishermen's gear, has been received. The Department, will, having regard to the means at their disposal, take all possible steps to see that the fishery laws and bye-laws are observed.