asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if, in view of the very poor catches by Limerick fishermen in the Shannon Estuary, he will agree to extend the season by one week for inshore drift net fishermen and by two weeks for those using draft nets.

The high level of illegal salmon fishing has been the main reason for poor catches by Limerick fishermen in the Shannon Estuary. Every effort is being made to improve protection in the region. I do not, however, see any good grounds for extending the present season for salmon fishing.