asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he approves of the continuing discharge of raw sewage into Galway Bay from Knocknacarra sewage scheme; and if this presents any threat to the quality of shell-fish in the area.

There is no evidence that the discharge of sewage from the Knocknacarra scheme presents any threat to the quality of shellfish on commercial beds in Galway Bay, the nearest of which is some distance from the outfall point. Accordingly, I have no reason to object to the discharge. My Department will, however, keep the situation under review. What I said previously will apply here also.

I am very pleased to hear that. Is the Minister aware that many lobster pots are laid in the area adjacent to the discharge point and I am surprised to hear that his Department do not think it interferes with shell fishing. Will he review the matter because all the Barna fishermen fish for lobsters along that coast?

Lobster pots are of a mobile nature in that they are put in a certain place and taken away. If they are set close to an outfall point I agree damage may be caused to them but it is the fishermen who come near the discharge point and not the other way around. It is not the same as having a permanent structure for mariculture purposes in place and having a discharge point put beside it. Lobster fishing takes place on a mobile basis.

Will the Minister agree that this is an area where lobsters are available for catching? The local authority planned a sewerage scheme discharging sewage into the waters adjacent to the traditional lobster fishing area.

The position I maintain on this is that if we find that damage is being caused by the Knocknacarra outfall — and that matter is under review — appropriate action will be taken to rectify it.

Is the Minister aware that Galway County Council are planning stage two of the Knocknacarra scheme and propose to enlarge the outfall and increase the quantity of effluent but do not propose to provide any prior treatment other than maceration, which would not be adequate?

I presume that in due course the application for permission either to increase the volume of outflow or to provide a new outfall will come to our notice in the normal way——

Before the scheme is designed, not like Oranmore.

In view of what the Deputy has said, I will investigate the matter and let him know the position.