asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will allow fishermen to use unlicensed carriers to transport fish from the port to the market.

Under the provisions of the Road Transport Acts the carriage of merchandise for reward, apart from certain limited exceptions, is confined to the holders of merchandise licences. The issue of new merchandise licences is severely restricted by the Acts and can only arise if I am satisfied that there is an inadequacy of road freight transport facilities in a particular area. I am not so satisfied in the case of the carriage of fish.

The Road Transport Bill, 1976, contains provisions which, when enacted, should prevent any difficulties which might otherwise arise in the future regarding the supply of freight transport, particularly in rural areas.

In view of the extension of non-licensed carriers to the farming community and also in view of the trouble fishermen have in employing licensed carriers, would the Minister re-examine the position to see if something can be done to solve the problem?

I will draw the Deputy's comments to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Transport and Power.