A Private Notice question was lodged in the names of Deputies Gallagher, O'Kennedy, Daly and myself relating to extensive poaching by French fishing trawlers off the coasts of Clare and Galway at this moment and the question called for immediate action by the State. I understand that question is not being allowed. There are roughly 20 to 30 trawlers. We have had a radio message sent to Deputy Daly and myself by skippers asking us to call on the Government to get naval fishery protection vessels into the area immediately or else the fishing grounds will be cleaned out before the week-end. If the answer conveyed to me through Deputy Daly——

The Deputy appreciates that it is, firstly, not in order for him to challenge the Chair's ruling in this matter. I can only tell him that the grounds for disallowance have been conveyed to him. I understand further that the notice in respect of this matter was received shortly before Question Time commenced and the Chair had no opportunity of dealing with the matter in any detail. The Deputy will have to submit a question on that matter.

The fish will be cleaned out over-night.

I cannot allow the question now.

How can we get some action on this very important national matter before the weekend? I have been contacted a number of times today regarding the seriousness of this matter and the desirability of having urgent action taken as soon as possible, certainly before the weekend.

I have ruled on that matter.

If you want to go on holidays at Easter, you had better not go to one of the western counties.