asked the Minister for Lands if he will grant benefits and facilities to fishermen who have taken boats on hire-purchase from An Bord Iascaigh Mhara before 1st April, 1961, similar to those granted under the scheme of grants and reduced interest rates for the benefit of purchasers taking out boats after 1st April, as these would be welcomed by all sections of the fishing industry.

As I told the House last week when moving the Estimate for Fisheries, I am considering what further incentives might be introduced to give hire-purchasers of boats a new deal and encourage them to better efforts to meet their commitments.