asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange to have flashing red lights erected immediately along the coast of Kerry and West Cork to guide fishermen at night.

31.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange to have flashing red lights erected on all piers along the west coast of Galway to facilitate fishermen at night.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle. I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.

My Department have no statutory responsibility for the provision of guide lights or other forms of navigational aids except at the fishery harbour centres of Castletownbere and Killybegs. However, if the Deputies will indicate to me any specific piers where they consider that lights are required in the interests of fishermen I will have the need for them investigated.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if the light at Kenmare Harbour is in full operation at this time?

I cannot answer that.

I have heard that the light was in difficulty and for that reason would the Parliamentary Secretary look into the matter?

If the Deputy gets in touch with me I will try to get the information for him.

The Parliamentary Secretary should bring a flashlamp.