John Ellis
Question:46 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for the Marine if he has any proposals to introduce legislation to streamline the operations of the Regional Fisheries Boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Regional Fisheries Boards.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply my predecessor gave the House on 26 November 1991 concerning the operations of the Regional Fisheries Boards.
Since becoming Minister for the Marine I have met with the Central Fisheries Board and all the Regional Board Managers. In recent weeks when launching four of the eight newly established angling co-operatives I took the opportunity to meet with the relevant Regional Fisheries Boards and intend to meet the remaining ones in the near future. While visiting the different regional areas I have experienced some of the different facets of the work of the fisheries boards. I have seen excellent publications produced on the various types of angling available, development schemes such as the European Regional Development Fund assisted scheme at Moycullen in Co. Galway, staff involved in difficult and invaluable protection work and others involved in vigilant and effective pollution control.
But what struck me in particular when visiting these areas is the potential for developing the inland fisheries resource so that the maximum benefits, in financial and employment terms, may be derived for the community as a whole. It is for this reason I have requested all of the fisheries boards to submit detailed, costed development plans which I hope will be finalised very shortly.
I will continue to keep the operations of the fisheries boards under review.