asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will make a study of Dublin Bay in relation to its fishery potential, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have no plans for such a study of Dublin Bay.

Has the Minister any intention of organising such a survey? I am sure he will recognise the huge potential involved and how important it would be to set out an overall scheme of priorities, identifying areas that might be developed.

At one time Dublin Bay was closed for the purpose of providing a suitable hatchery for small fish. I have asked the central consultative committee for the fishing industry to look into that matter and a report is imminent.

The National Board for Science and Technology have undertaken a research project and have issued a detailed document of a study of the various areas suitable for mariculture, fish farming and so on. Perhaps the Minister would ask that board to consider the Dublin Bay area with a view to ascertaining whether any aspect of fisheries activity could be developed there.

It would be wise to await the outcome of the report of the central consultative committee. It would be premature in the meantime to commission any further report.