Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oyster Industry.
- Higher fines for illegal oyster catching 2 speeches
The Minister said increased fines for illegally catching and selling small oysters were under consideration as part of broader fisheries legislation.
Thomas McEllistrim Jnr., Michael Pat Murphy
- Licensing commercial oyster buyers 4 speeches
Citing large-scale illegal oyster sales in Tralee Bay, McEllistrim sought licences for bulk buyers. The Minister noted pending prosecutions but said a buyer-licensing system was not warranted at present.
Thomas McEllistrim Jnr., Michael Pat Murphy
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will substantially increase the fine for the illegal catching and selling of small oysters.
Comment on this
The matter is being considered in my Department in conjunction with a number of other legislative proposals concerning fisheries.
Comment on this
I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that the waterkeepers caught fishermen and buyers of oysters with 110,000 illegally caught oysters in Tralee Bay area this season and for that reason I am sure he will agree that it is important to have a licensing system for the buyers.
Comment on this
I am aware of the position in Tralee Bay and I should like to tell the Deputy that 32 court prosecutions are pending. The Deputy can be assured that in the forthcoming legislation on inland fisheries fines will be increased.
33.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will introduce a licensing system under which bulk commercial buyers of oysters would be required to have a licence.