asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry whether, in the context of the EEC aid package to Poland, he can arrange to include the transport and other costs of selling barrels of salted herrings from Ireland.

Fish is not included in the food products for which the Polish authorities sought economic support from the European Economic Community and does not therefore figure among the products which are being made available to Poland by the Community at favourable prices.

Is it the Minister's attitude that there is no possibility whatever of including these salted herrings in the EEC aid package to Poland?

I am afraid that is the situation.

Is the Minister of State aware if the absent Minister has given any thought to giving assistance to the producers of those herrings from the point of view of their disposal on the continental market?

I am not so aware but if the information sought can be found I am sure the Minister would be willing to circulate it to the Deputy.

Will the Minister inform the absent Minister that large quantities of salted herrings are available and the co-ops and fishermen are finding it difficult to get a market for them? The Minister's attention to the problem would be appreciated.

I will pass on that information. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that I am only answering for the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry. I am sorry I do not have all the information I am asked for.

It would be helpful if the Minister of State could track down the Minister.