asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the recent bye-law curtailing the salmon fishing season on all rivers in the State was made without reference to the boards of conservators or to the Inland Fisheries Commission; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Fishing Season.
19.
The Control of Fishing for Salmon and Trout (Temporary Restriction) Bye-law No. 563 which is the by-law referred to by the Deputy is of an emergency character and was made as a conservancy measure for the 1973 salmon fishing season.
The periods prescribed in the bye-law during which salmon and trout fishing by methods other than rod and line is prohibited, are based on factual information related to the seasonal runs of fish in each fishery district. Consequently, the question of reference to either the boards of conservators or the Inland Fisheries Commission did not arise.
Is it not unusual to bring in a bye-law such as this, and which has been implemented by the board of conservators, without having prior discussions with that board?
There were no consultations with the board of conservators. The bye-law is based on factual information and the regulations are settled in consultation with the Fisheries Division's inspectors who are qualified fishery biologists and who have wide knowledge and practical experience of the subject. As well as that, I met numerous deputations who agreed, more or less, with the general principle of this bye-law. As the Deputy is aware there is no obligation on me or on the Department to consult with the boards of fishery conservators.
Seeing that the matter is not being discussed with the boards of conservators is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that they are in a position to implement this bye-law?
I am satisfied they are in a position to implement the bye-law. The Deputy will appreciate that if I were to consult with the 17 boards of conservators it would not be possible to make the bye-law in respect of this year. Consequently we had as much consultation as possible within the Department and with people who are qualified to speak on this subject and I am satisfied that the regulation is fair, reasonable and justified.
Question No. 20.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary is aware that it was not necessary to consult with the 17 boards of conservators, that they have a general council with which he could have held consultations?
Question No. 20.
We have had——
Question No. 20 has been called.