asked the Minister for Fisheries whether in view of the correspondence exchanged with Mr. Eamon O'Neill, of the Kinsale Development Association, and his Department, the Minister will take steps to have inquiries made at the fishing ports of Kinsale, Glandore, Baltimore, Castletownbere, and other southern stations, as to the desirability of having a close season fixed before which it will not be lawful to cure for export herrings caught on the south coast.

I have instructed my Department to hold public inquiries at the principal herring fishing ports on the south coast, and if the evidence given at these inquiries shows that a close season for herrings and that coast is desirable in the interests of the fishing industry, the necessary by-law will be made.

The fishermen and the buyers are unanimous in regard to it.