asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if trout fishing on Irish rivers is subject to licence; and, if so, what is the cost of a trout fishing licence.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Trout Fishing Licences.
12.
Fishing for brown trout in the waters of the State is not subject to statutory licence. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.
Is the Minister aware that the Limerick Board of Fishery Conservators, who employ waterkeepers on the River Feale, have instructed their waterkeepers to confiscate the fishing tackle of people who are just fishing for brown trout? Would the Minister investigate the situation?
I wonder whether it is quite as simple as the Deputy states. White trout or sea trout fishing on the estuary of the Feale is at the moment and has been for some weeks past, I understand, extremely good, and I wonder whether action taken by the board has been in respect of people innocently fishing for brown trout or in respect of people fishing for white trout. If the Deputy has information to the effect that they were clearly seen to be fishing only for brown trout, then I should be very glad to have that information and I shall certainly investigate.
Is the Minister saying that fishing for brown trout is allowed without a licence and that therefore it is not right for fishing clubs to insist on a licence on certain waters which they control?
It does not follow at all.
The Minister is making a very broad statement.
A statutory licence is not needed for brown trout fishing, but fishing for white trout, sea trout or salmon trout, whatever you like to call it, is treated identically with the fishing and taking of salmon.
I am aware of that, but I got the impression from the Minister that one can get a fishing rod and start fishing for brown trout in any river without a licence.
I did not say any such thing.
Would the Minister say if the position is that there are numerous rivers where one cannot fish for brown trout without a licence from a local angling association or some such body?
That is not a statutory licence.
The Minister's answer will get a great many people prosecuted.
No. They are not that innocent.