asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that the work of protection of our inland fisheries within the Limerick fishery district has been very greatly hampered by the fact that no supply or no sufficient supply of petrol is being allowed to the inspectors or bailiffs of the conservators of that district, and whether he will favourably consider granting supplementary allowances for this work of national importance, when so requested by the Board of Conservators.

I am aware that the shortage of petrol supplies has created difficulties in the carrying on of most activities throughout the country and it may be that the protection of inland fisheries within the Limerick fishery district has been hampered also. I have been able to allocate a limited quantity of petrol for taxed motor cars for the current month, but I regret that I am unable to increase these allowances by the issue of supplementary licences.

I gather from the Minister's answer that he recognises both the importance of the industry and the fact that considerable damage can be done to it if poaching cannot be kept down. I take it that the Minister will do all that possibly can be done to give an increased supply of petrol to the inspectors, if circumstances permit, so as to enable those watching the poachers to deal with what may turn into a very serious situation for the industry?

Yes.