asked the Minister for Fisheries (a) the number of judgments entered against and (b) the number of boats repossessed from trawler owners unable to meet repayments since 5th July 1977.

: Seven High Court judgments were obtained by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and one boat was repossessed by the Board during the period in question.

: How does that compare with the previous year?

: It is excellent. The Board adopt a fair attitude towards these cases. The total number of borrowers is 440. Only one boat has been repossessed.

: What is the position in relation to the 19 High Court cases in which proceedings have been issued?

: I spoke of seven High Court judgments. One boat was repossessed by BIM.

: What is the position in relation to the other 19 High Court cases in which proceedings were issued, which were referred to by the Minister on 7 June?

: That is a separate question, as the Deputy is aware, but I will answer it. They are all being dealt with sensibly. The experience in 95 per cent of these cases is that they are settled without any reason for proceeding to judgment or for repossession.

: So we have the position that, of the 27 cases in which proceedings have been issued, eight have gone to judgment, one is being repossessed and the others are still outstanding?

: During the period in question seven High Court judgments were obtained by BIM and one boat was repossessed.

: There would have to be a judgment before repossession?

: Of course.

: I should like to draw the Minister's attention to part (b) of the question which does not relate to judgments but to the number of boats repossessed.

: One.

: One boat repossessed in the entire country?

: I have given the Deputy that information.

: The number of boats repossessed, not necessarily on foot of judgments?

: Seven High Court judgments were obtained by BIM and one boat was repossessed by them during the period in question.

: I know of two.