asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the steps being taken to overcome the water keepers' dispute which is now countrywide and which results in the fishing stocks of our rivers etc. not being protected at weekends.

Negotiations between the Central Fisheries Board and the union concerned have been taking place on a continuing basis. I authorised the board to make a further improved offer which was made to the union on 9 June 1982. The union indicated that they would recommend this offer for acceptance. A ballot on the offer is being held in each fisheries region and the results of the ballot are awaited.