§ 32. Mr. FFRENCHasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that various applications have been made to obtain a Grant for Fethard Harbour 1336 during the last twenty years; whether he admits that in the present state of the harbour it is impossible for the Fethard fishermen to pursue their calling with any hope of success; and whether, seeing the courage and self-sacrifice shown by these men in their attempt to save the crew of the "Mexico," and although nine of them who manned the lifeboat lost their lives, the five survivors, undeterred by the fate of their comrades, persisted in their efforts, and succeeded in saving the crew, he will consider the inadvisability of driving such men from the country by refusing to give proper accommodation for their fishing boats; and will he again press the Development Commissioners to give the necessary Grant for Fethard?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe Department arc aware that many applications have been made for the improvement of Fethard Harbour; also that the harbour in its present condition is unsuitable for larger boats than those now using it. The Development Commissioners are not prepared to consider any further application for a Grant for the improvement of Irish fishery harbours until the period of five years for which the existing Grant was made elapses.
§ Mr. FFRENCHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the harbour is most unsafe for the fishermen's boats, and will nothing be done for those fishermen?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI am quite aware that the harbour is in a very bad condition, but it cannot be improved without money, and the Department have no money for the purpose, and the Development Commissioners will not give it.