asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will extend the number of salmon drift net licences available in the Cork area to enable a number of fishermen in Crosshaven to obtain such licences, in view of the fact that (a) they earn their livelihood solely from fishing and have heavily invested in boats and equipment and (b) no existing licences are held in Crosshaven.

The maximum number of salmon drift net licences which boards of conservators may issue are set out in the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order, 1974. Having regard to the urgent need to conserve our salmon stocks, I am not prepared to increase this number.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that the distribution of such licences on the Cork coastline is inequitable, with the majority of licences being held at the western end of that coastline and very few, if any at all, held at the eastern end in places such as Crosshaven? Would he now re-examine, in the interest of justice for those particular fishermen, the situation before the new licences are issued?

I do not agree with the Deputy's assertion that the licences are distributed inequitably. They are distributed by the administrator appointed to replace the board of conservators in accordance with the Control of Salmon Order, 1974, and strictly in accordance with that order. The number will not be increased for the forthcoming year.

The only way it could be increased is if the constituency was extended eastwards.

There is an implication in the Deputy's question that, if the constituency was extended eastwards, something may not happen.

That is right.

I take that as a reflection on the administrator, who is a man of the highest integrity who determines applications in accordance with the laws laid down by the House. He determines them impartially and fairly.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary make any representations to him?

I make representations the same way as Deputy MacSharry, Deputy Crowley or any other Deputy in the House can make them.

I found it a frustrating exercise.