To ask the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that some of the small harbours around the East and South-east coast of Ireland are in a very bad way, and when does he intend to have the necessary repairs and construction work put in operation, as the question should be dealt with nationally, as the financial burden would be too much for the districts concerned, and it, moreover, would be a great means of relieving unemployment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - SMALL HARBOURS—REPAIRS AND CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DOMHNALL O CEALLACHAIN
Mr. HOGAN
I am aware of the correctness of the statement in the first portion of this question. The maintenance of the harbours referred to and the execution of all necessary repairs are, however, matters for which the respective harbour authorities are responsible. In cases where facilities for fishermen are directly effected it may be taken that any scheme of improvement, towards which reasonable financial support is forthcoming locally, will receive sympathetic consideration.