asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that fishermen purchasing boats are finding it very hard to pay the prepaid deposit required by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara; and, if so, if he will have the deposit reduced, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation, as boats have become more expensive since the existing rate of deposit was fixed.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the hardships imposed on fishermen by reason of the high deposits they have to pay for the purchase of boats and gear; and, if so, if he will amend the regulations, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation, to enable them to obtain facilities for such purchases at 5 per cent. deposit.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will have the purchase deposit on new fishing boats reduced, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the increased cost of boats and fishing gear, he will request An Bord Iascaigh Mhara to reduce the required percentage deposit to a figure commensurate with the means of the average fisherman, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation.

andMr. P. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation, the advisability of reducing by half the minimum deposit payable by fishermen purchasing boats through An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 to 29 together.

The question of reducing the minimum prepayment required in respect of fishing boats issued on hire purchase terms by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara is under consideration, and it is hoped to have a decision made at an early date. The matter is not one for legislation.