Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Cuirim céad fáilte arís roimh an Aire Stáit don dara huair inniu. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil neart eile ar siúl inniu.

Iarradh orm ceist a ardú maidir le tionscal atá fíor tábhachtach i dtaobh tionscal na hiascaireachta, tionscal nach ndéantar mórán cainte faoi de ghnáth ach a bhfuil seans ann go bhféadfadh sé cuid mhaith fostaíochta a chruthú agus a bhféadfadh cuidiú le tionscal na turasóireachta - is é sin iascach na n-eascann anseo in Éirinn.

This matter concerns an industry which is not often spoken about or well known but it is important for the fishing industry, namely, the eel fishing industry. It was a thriving industry but a ban on eel fishing was put in place some years ago. This has prevented fishing for eels even though the industry is thriving in the Six Counties and is creating employment and assists the tourism industry. I am seeking clarification of the Government's policy and strategy for the development of the eel fishing indystry. Will the Minister of State indicate if the ban will be lifted soon?