asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will review Bye-law No. 582 of 11th March, 1976, which prohibits the use of salmon drift nets in excess of 30 meshes in depth in so far as it affects the Lismore fishery district in County Waterford where salmon drift nets in excess of this depth have been traditionally fished for many years.

35.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the reduction in the depth of mesh for salmon drift net fishermen in Ardmore, County Waterford, and of the hardships this will cause; and if he will take steps to remedy this situation.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.

The bye-law limiting to 30 meshes the depth of drift nets which may be used for salmon fishing was introduced as a conservation measure and it is not proposed to review the terms of the bye-law until its effects over a full season can be assessed.