asked the Minister for Agriculture whether An Bord Iascaigh Mhara has decided to make a fishing boat available under the Fíor-Ghaeltacht scheme at Ring, County Waterford, and, if so, when it is proposed to implement the decision.

No decision in this matter has yet been made but the Deputy may be assured that as boats become available for issue under the scheme the fishermen at Ring who come within the terms of the scheme will receive every consideration.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary say when it is likely a decision will be reached regarding this boat?

I can assure the Deputy there will be no unavoidable delay in reaching a decision.