John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

It is regrettable that the 1959 Act does not apply to Moville. I respect Deputy Keaveney's remarks because she knows better than anybody how sensitive the issue is there. The derogation in the 1959 Act does not give the Minister many powers with regard to the implementation of what would apply elsewhere in the State. As Deputy Keaveney stated, there should be enough for everybody in Lough Foyle but it will depend a great deal on the science. Given the huge scientific resources available, it should be possible to identify areas to ensure there is not an overlap of mussel and oyster fisheries.

It is a huge area. I do not know the size of the body of water but it looks huge when one drives into the peninsula. Obviously, the concern is that there would be an intensity of licensing in one area. It is important that the mussel and oyster fisheries are clearly and separately marked out. Apparently, the people who fish for oysters do not fish for mussels.

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