asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when it is intended to dredge Kilmore Quay harbour, in view of the congestion and the time limitation imposed by the condition of the harbour.

Plans for major improvement works for Kilmore Quay, including dredging of the harbour, have been prepared by the Office of Public Works and are being examined by my Department at present.

I understand that dredging of the harbour would best be carried out as part of the improvement scheme because if done in isolation it would be more costly and less effective. Until the examination of the plans has been completed and the costs assessed in the light of the funds available for fishery harbour works generally, I cannot say when dredging work will commence. I should add that as a preliminary step in the improvement scheme I have already made grants totalling £58,000 to Wexford County Council towards the cost of protecting the existing west pier at Kilmore Quay.

Is the Minister aware that there are 400 people employed in the fishing industry at Kilmore, that there are 26 trawlers between 50 feet and 120 feet, that there are lobster boats between 20 feet and 35 feet and 43 pleasure boats? Is he also aware that on stormy nights fishermen have to stay up to keep an eye on their boats because they are moored away from the pier and that this season there was significant damage——

The Deputy should avoid making a speech at Question Time.

I am asking the Minister——

You could ask the Minister if he is aware of everything contained in the local newspaper and proceed to read it but that would not be acceptable.

He would not wish to be aware of those things. In view of my questions, will the Minister ensure that dredging and major improvements are carried out immediately?

I am aware of the importance of the fishing industry to Kilmore. Deputy Byrne also mentioned the four factories in Kilmore. I am going down there tomorrow on a fact finding mission and it is my intention to visit the harbour, the fishermen and the four factories.

Does the Minister accept that a massive amount of money has been spent on harbours with smaller fleets than Kilmore? If so, can he give a definite date as to when work will commence in Kilmore?

I cannot give a definite date in regard to the commencement of work. It will depend upon the amount of finance available to my Department for 1985. Kilmore Quay will be taken into consideration in view of the fact that there is a need for an extension to the harbour.

Can the Minister say if moneys have been provided in the Book of Estimates for the improvement of Kilmore quay in the coming year?

Moneys have been provided for harbours generally, not specifically for Kilmore quay, but allocations have not yet been made.