asked the Minister for Fisheries if, recognising the importance of giving due encouragement and assistance to the Fishing Industry, he will advise the authorities having control of the Fishing Piers at Dooagh and Keel, in Achill, to carry out such improvements to the piers in question as may make them more convenient for the use of the boats frequenting this coast.

The type of boat used at Keel and Dooagh is the small open row boat and canoe, and the harbour accommodation at Keel and Dooagh is considered adequate to the requirements of such craft. Sums aggregating to £4,018 have been expended by the State in recent years on construction and improvement work at Keel and Dooagh. I cannot, therefore recommend the Government to expend further sums on these harbours at this juncture.

Will the Minister be good enough to say if any repairs are being carried out at Dooagh and Keel piers?

In view of the fact that £4,018 have been spent, I could not recommend expenditure of any further money.

That is not an answer to my question. What I really want to know is if this pier at Dooagh, which was injured during the last year, is being repaired?

I have nothing further to add to what I have already said. I am advised the piers at Dooagh and Keel are sufficiently well equipped for the boats in use there.