§ 65. Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will take steps to secure additional facilities for those engaged in the fishing industries in Ireland; if he is aware of the difficulties placed in the way of those engaged in fishing and fish-curing; and if, in order to procure additional supplies of fish which can be cured and preserved for emergencies, he will remove all the pre-war restrictions, reduce the price of licences, and allow fish to be caught everywhere possible?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture arc always ready to take any possible steps to secure additional facilities for those engaged in the fishing industries of Ireland, and the Congested Districts 1288 Board are also prepared to take such steps as, in their opinion, are practicable to increase the facilities for sea fisheries in the West of Ireland. Fishing and fish-curing are suffering from special difficulties at the present time. The preservation of fish by curing is chiefly a question of supply and demand, and until the demand for fresh fish can be satisfied, no increase is likely to take place in the quantity cured.
The Licence Duties now in force are not onerous, and their maintenance is essential for the protection of the fisheries. The Department would regard a general removal of pre-war restrictions on fishing as certain to cause permanent injury to the fisheries.
§ Mr. LYNCHCould not something be done to foster this industry; for instance, on the West Coast of Clare, where it could be increased tenfold, with great advantage to the whole community?
§ Mr. H. LAWHas any progress been. made in the matter of facilities for fishing harbours within the last couple of months, and have not certain negotiations been got through?