§ 12. Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that it is the general opinion of experts that there is a steady decline of the salmon fisheries of the Shannon and its tributaries which can only be arrested by the establishment of hatcheries; and, as the Shannon system could be made a national asset capable of returning a harvest of value, will he see that the Department of Agriculture take the necessary steps to establish these hatcheries so as to be ready for the autumn spawning?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are of opinion that the stock of salmon in the River Shannon and its tributaries could be augmented by establishing hatcheries, but the Department have not at present any funds available for this purpose.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYCannot the Department get funds for the purpose?
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYWhat is the use of asking if you do not get them? Having regard to the fact that a Departmental Committee inquired into this matter, and also a Royal Commission, and recommended that land should be got for this purpose, cannot something be done, especially at the present time?