asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the present position regarding the development of oyster beds in Clarinbridge and south Galway.

With effect from 6 May 1978 I made an order entitled the Oyster Fishery (Clarinbridge) Order, 1978 which granted to the Clarinbridge Oyster Co-operative Society Limited exclusive rights in regard to the management of the oyster beds in Clarinbridge and south Galway. The development of the oyster beds is, therefore, primarily a matter for the society.