§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDasked the Chief Secretary what is the total amount annually at the disposal of the Irish Department of Agriculture for the development of Irish fisheries; and whether the Government will, in view of the importance of this matter, consider favourably the placing of further funds at the command of the Irish authorities to develop the Irish fishing industry?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that a sum of £10,000 is specially allocated out of the Department's Endowment Fund for the purpose of Sea Fisheries, and that a portion of the Sea and Coast Fisheries Fund, amounting to a capital sum of £7,000, has also been specially allocated for providing boats and gear for fishermen by means of loans. For the development of Inland Fisheries sums varying between £2,000 and £3,000 per annum have up to the present been assigned from the general funds of the Department. The development and improvement of fisheries is one of the objects for which advances can be made under the Development and Road Improvement Act. The question of making such advances will be one for the consideration of the Commissioners. I cannot at present hold out any hope of additional funds being provided from other sources.