asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he proposes to open the Slaney estuary at an earlier date this year so that salmon fishermen can have a realistic livelihood.

3.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will increase the fishing period in respect of the Barrow and the Suir estuaries to ensure a realistic livelihood for the Fethard and Drumcannon fishermen, County Wexford.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.

I am examining at present the salmon fishing regime for 1981 and will announce my decision very shortly. In that connection I am considering the matters raised in the questions together with my concern to ensure the conservation and rational exploitation of our valuable salmon fisheries in the national interest.

Is the Minister aware of the heavy run on salmon in the 1980 season, particularly in respect of the Slaney river, and is he aware also of the amount of hardship that the restriction is causing the fishermen of that area?

In considering the conservation of our salmon stocks the Minister, so far as possible, takes into consideration in the overall national interest the salmon stock position in the inland and coastal waters of the country as a whole. In view of the strong representations received, the Minister is reviewing the effects of by-law No. 606 of 1978. The salmon fishermen in the Barrow, Suir and Slaney estuaries mentioned in the question would benefit from any relaxation of the by-law referred to.

That is not an answer to the question I asked. Is the Minister aware of the heavy run there was on salmon, particularly in the Slaney, last year?

I am so aware.

Will that factor be taken into consideration in reaching a decision on a relaxation of the by-law?

That is what I said.

What does by-law 606 of 1978 refer to?

It is a commercial salmon by-law which is subject to the authority of the Minister in respect of extending or of removing permission for licences.

I am calling Question No. 4.

May we take it that the season will be extended this year?

No. What I am saying is that the points made will be taken into account when the licences are being issued.