asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give details of a statement made at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis in which he suggested that individual fishery boards might be empowered to issue block licences to angling clubs; if he intends to produce any specific proposals in this regard; if he intends to initiate any other attempts to find a solution to the current rod angling licence dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Block Fishing Licences.
20.
Suggestions for a block licensing arrangement have been circulating since early 1988 on the understanding that the detailed arrangements would have to be agreed with the regional fishery board concerned and fit in with the legislation.
These suggestions have to date been rejected in principle by elements among the protesting groups either on the basis that they would not accept any form of compulsory payment or on the basis that they would not accept any system which would leave the individual angler open to being checked.
In the last formal meeting between my officials and representatives of the protesting groups, the latter made it quite clear that they would only accept a voluntary system. The Government will not accept a return to a voluntary system as it failed before and will not work now. While there have been suggestions in the media and elsewhere that the protestors have now come around to accept the principle of a mandatory system, this has not been communicated to my Department and, indeed, it is clear that it is not fully agreed among the protesting groups themselves.
There are no difficulties on our side in looking at any reasonable proposals within the framework of the legislation. The real difficulty is that the protestors do not appear to be able to agree among themselves on anything other than that the licence should be revoked and replaced by a voluntary system. This will not be done.
The issues now involved in this protest go far beyond the sphere of angling. These groups are in effect challenging the Government, as well as the right of the Oireachtas to make laws in this country. The tactics involved, including intimidation and the creation of a climate of fear, are unacceptable in a free society. Particularly objectionable is the cynical and calculated damaging of the tourist sector so as to bring pressure to bear on this House. In this regard, we must bear in mind that the vast majority of those involved in the protest are at no economic loss — they have merely opted out of a discretionary recreational activity. Many of them indeed fished for salmon and sea trout last year while other sectors were left high and dry.
This conduct is unacceptable to the Government and it should also be unacceptable to all parties in this House. There is an onus on all Deputies and on all responsible community leaders to tell these groups to end this protest now. The sooner that is done, the sooner this protest will be over and a good tourist angling season assured.