asked the Minister for the Marine the reason no communication has been directed by his Department to local authorities, outlining the importance of maintaining piers and harbours in local authority jurisdictions, to facilitate the expansion of our fishing and mariculture industries as outlined by the Government in the national plan.

Development of local authority harbours where warranted in the fisheries interest is part of an ongoing policy of my Department. During the past ten years developments at a total of 92 local authority harbours were grant aided by my Department.

In general development proposals are initiated by the local authority and a number of further proposals are on hands. Most of the maritime county councils have in fact set up fishery development committees.

I am satisfied that the local authorities concerned are well aware of the importance of developing and maintaining the piers and harbours under their jurisdiction which serve the fishing industry. In the circumstances I see no need to issue a directive in this regard.

Will the Minister of State agree that the piers and harbours referred to in the question constitute the basic infrastructure for the development of aquaculture and the jobs mentioned in the national programme, for achievement in aquaculture? Would the Minister not agree that it would be very useful if his Department who have assumed the responsibility for taking the initiative in job creation in this area issued a specific directive to the local authority rather than leaving it to chance for proposals to come from the local authority?

Quite a number of the local authorities have very vigilant fishery committees doing a very useful job. Many of them have submitted the names of numerous ports which require attention. It is not necessary to issue a directive, but if it were we would issue one.

Will the Minister of State be in a position to publish a list of piers and harbours in the areas concerned, which are earmarked for development in the coming 12 months? Does the Minister agree that the association of those involved in aquaculture have communicated with his Department stressing the importance of the development of such piers and harbours and the importance of publishing the list for development for the coming year?

It is early in the year yet and there is a limited amount of money available to us. We will look at each case on its merits and take a decision on it.

Question No. 7, please.

There is a long list and I do not want to give the impression that numerous harbours and piers will be repaired immediately. I want to be honest with the people and when the time comes a list will be available. If any Deputy thinks he has a case in his own area, the case will be looked at and his representations will be taken into consideration.