asked the Minister for Fisheries what proposals, if any, he envisages for acquiring salmon fisheries with a view to initiating a salmon fish farming programme.

Legislation for the re-organisation of our inland fisheries and for the development of the various sectors of the industry is at present in preparation in my Department and contains provision for the acquisition of private fisheries where this is considered desirable.

In regard to this very important matter of salmon fish farming, is the Minister saying this legislation will come in early next year and, secondly, if and when it does come in, will he tell us if the Galway salmon weir serving all of Lough Corrib will be included in this salmon fish farm programme?

Part of that question is a separate one.

I shall have incorporated in this legislation a positive provision giving for the first time a right to the Minister for Fisheries to acquire, either by compulsion or agreement, Irish fisheries and that includes the type of fishery referred to by the Deputy. This is a very welcome improvement. It will enable such fisheries to be obtained by the State for the overall development of inland fisheries in co-operation with local voluntary angling interests. I hope to have this legislation published early in the new year.