asked the Minister for Fisheries when the proposed legislation to increase substantially the fines for illegal fishing off this country's coast will be introduced.

I expect to be in a position shortly to introduce the legislation in question.

Will the Minister define what is meant by the word "shortly"? This is the third time I put down a question of this kind in the House but no action has been taken. Will the Minister state when the legislation will be introduced?

The parliamentary draftsmen have a heavy programme of work but I will do my best to get this legislation as soon as possible.

May we take it that the legislation will be introduced during this session?

I hope it will.

Will the Minister give an indication of the kind of legislation he envisages?

The legislation will be very simple, namely, to increase substantially the fines for illegal fishing off our coasts.

Are any other steps envisaged?

There may be other steps but the major one is the increase in fines.

The Minister has stated that the legislation will be very simple and, therefore, I am sure it will not be such a big job for the parliamentary draftsmen.

They have to put their beady eye on it.

I am calling Question No. 7.

May I ask one final supplementary question?

I have given the Deputy a lot of latitude but he may put a brief question.

Will the Minister tell the House, other than what he has said already, what extra type of precautions will be included in this legislation?

No. I will wait for the legislation.

Does the Minister know?

I do.

Question No. 7 has been called.