asked the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Tourism if he will make a statement on the position regarding salmon fishing controls in 1986; if he is proposing any changes in salmon fishing controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Fishing Controls.
39.
The various controls on salmon fishing which operated in 1985 are ongoing and will continue to apply in 1986. The nature and extent of these controls are kept under continuous review and may be altered at any time to meet changing circumstances.
The White Paper on the fishing industry which will be published shortly will outline the Government's future policy in relation to salmon fishing and conservation measures.
The Minister will be aware that by order he designates the number of licences which can be issued in any fishing year. Has the Minister made any changes in the order for 1985? May I have some indication of the total number of drift net licences for the 1986 season?
I have made no changes at this stage in the number of licences. I have not even considered it.
Could I have some indication as to whether it is the Minister's intention to look at the orders and if he has any proposals in mind at this stage to review the licences for the different fishery board areas? He will be aware that the fishing season is about to get under way and if he is to make any changes in this regard he would certainly need to do so now.
As I said, I intend to continue the controls which existed in 1985. However, I also intend to keep a continuous review of this situation. At this stage I have not had the opportunity to look into the matter but I can see that a review might be necessary. However, I cannot envisage any great change from what has been occurring over the last few years.
The Minister will be aware of the continuing decline in the salmon stocks, in particular, and that various regional fishery boards have been very vocal in complaining of the lack of adequate finances to enable them to carry out their statutory responsibilities. Would the Minister keep in mind, in any review which may be undertaken, that it is essential at a very early stage that adequate finances be made available to the regional salmon fishery boards to enable them to fulfil their statutory obligations? He will be aware that at present boards in every area are complaining that they do not have either the manpower or the resources to enable them to protect the salmon stocks which are now in very real danger. Could I bring this matter to the attention of the Minister and ask him to take action as soon as possible?
I cannot judge, from what the Deputy is saying, whether he considers the present controls to be too lax or too stringent. Perhaps he would indicate in which direction he would prefer me to move.
People would be more interested in what action the Minister will take and what direction he will be taking in the area of salmon conservation, bearing in mind that salmon stocks are now in danger. It is essential that the fishery boards who have a statutory obligation to protect the salmon fisheries should be in a position to do this. They are not because they totally lack the necessary finances. Could the Minister keep it in mind that the boards are now in total disarray? They cannot hold meetings because of a lack of finance to enable them to carry out their obligations.
Would he keep in mind that every board is in a very serious financial situation?
I shall keep the Deputy's comments in mind. I think I can interpret them as an appeal for stricter conservation measures, nevertheless.