asked the Minister for Fisheries if, in view of the total ban on herring fishing in the Celtic Sea, he will consider (i) granting licences to inshore fishermen (ii) increasing grants for the purchase of larger boats (iii) providing training for fishermen to enable them take up employment in other industries and (iv) the creation of jobs.

I am considering the position of inshore fishermen in relation to the ban on herring fishing in the Celtic Sea imposed by EEC Council Regulation No. 350/77 of 18th February, 1977. I am not aware that this ban which was introduced at my request in an effort to restore herring stocks in the Celtic Sea necessitates the taking of the other measures mentioned by the Deputy.