asked the Minister for the Marine if he has received proposals from the National Anglers Representative Association to help resolve the rod licence dispute; if he welcomes these proposals; and if he will follow up the initiative to bring the dispute to an end.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rod Licence Dispute.
2.
I have received the proposals referred to by the Deputy. I have welcomed this as a reasonable and positive contribution to the debate on the licensing issue. The alterations in licence fees announced before Christmas last were in part based on the views of the National Anglers Representative Association. The implementation of other proposals put forward by that organisation would, in the main, require new legislation. Those proposals are the subject of ongoing examination by my Department.
Surely the Minister is aware of the extreme urgency in this matter having regard to the fact that a new angling and tourist season is beginning? Having regard to the enormous losses arising from this dispute incurred in the last tourist season, would the Minister assure the House he is doing everything possible to bring about a settlement of this dispute? Since the proposals he now welcomes were received by him some three weeks ago — and having regard to the urgency of the matter — would he not consider that he should have finalised consideration of all of those proposals in order to ascertain whether they contained the basis for a settlement of this dispute?
I moved very positively on the proposals and discussed them with the various representative associations and others. We decided to reduce the composite licence — which is in line with the recommendation of the National Anglers Representative Association — that is the overall licence which covers all species, salmon, trout and coarse fish, from £40 to £25. There has been a negative response from a certain element in this controversy to all our efforts. I should say that the regulations and the licensing arrangement which will apply for the coming season are in place and will not be altered.
When the Minister assures the House there will be no further alterations, does he not realise that that will lead to further confrontation and difficulty? Would the Minister adopt a more conciliatory attitude and say he will give sympathetic consideration to the other matters at issue in this dispute rather than saying that no further alterations will be made which only renders the position worse?
I have made it clear on numerous occasions that, within the framework of the relevant legislation, there is room for flexibility. Always we have been prepared to be flexible in the operation of this legislation. In spite of all our efforts to resolve the issue there appears to be a minority intent on perpetrating this ill-advised campaign. I might refer briefly to the ESRI report referred to by Deputy Taylor-Quinn. An independent survey undertaken by the ESRI clearly indicated that in October — before the relevant legislation was introduced here which led to this controversy — 80 per cent of anglers supported the principle of a licence fee and indicated that, if it were introduced, they would be willing to buy one.
That question arose under the heading of game; it was not specific.
Obviously the Deputy has not read the report.
I have read the report.
Is the Minister still maintaining he will be flexible?
Yes.