John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Question 85: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland's seed mussel industry is in danger of collapse as a result of a 40 year old agreement, which is being abused by outside interests to give reciprocal fishery rights to fishermen from Northern Ireland and the Republic in the two jurisdictions outside their exclusive fishery limits as the Northern Irish authorities have registered vessels from other European countries; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this practice is proving disastrous for Irish mussel seed farmers and action must be taken to stop same; the reason this practice is still continuing without any legal basis; if he has held talks with mussel farmers on this issue; if his attention has further been drawn to the disastrous effect this practice is having on mussel farmers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34716/05]

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