asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that the fishermen from Hare Island, West Cork, and other fishermen engaged in lobster fishing, are required, by the nature of their avocation, to be away from home at sea for a period of three months, with only one call home in each such period, he will consider increasing the supplementary allowance of flour available to such fishermen.

The fishermen referred to by the Deputy are eligible to receive supplementary allowances of flour or bread equivalent to 50 per cent. of the basic ration. This is the standard rate being granted to workers in receipt of supplementary allowances, and I can hold out no prospect that it will be possible to increase the supplementary ration for any class of workers.

Is the Minister aware that these fishermen have already been refused supplementary allowances?

I am not aware of it.

They have complained to me that they have been. Will the Minister inquire into the matter?

I am quite certain they have not been refused.

Are these men included in the ordinary category of inshore fishermen?

These lobster fishermen are entitled to a supplementary allowance.

On the basis of inshore fishermen?

They are engaged in lobster fishing.

These lobster fishermen are entitled to a supplementary allowance.