asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the fishermen of Blacksod have not been able since the 16th July to sell their crayfish and if, in view of his recent assurance that he expected soon to announce that a steady market for this commodity would be found, he will now state whether any progress has been made in the matter.

My information is that during the past week or so local buyers of crayfish at Blacksod ceased purchasing because of some alleged reduction in market demand. I did not—because I could not—give the Deputy any assurance recently that a steady market for this commodity would be found. What I did say, in reply to his question on the 15th June, was that, as a result of the exertions of the Minister for External Affairs in relation to the Franco-Irish Trade Agreement, there would probably be forthcoming an outlet on the French market for our crayfish. Indeed, the matter is having attention at the moment by my Department, and I shall be glad to hear from prospective exporters, especially those who have had dealings in the past with French importers of this particular crustacean.