Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 8

Written Answers. - Regional Fisheries Board.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

26 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Marine when he will sanction the filling of all supervisory posts in the regional fisheries boards given the recommendations in the report of the inquiry into the Ballycotton drowning tragedy that, in relation to the fisheries boards operational criteria, emphasis should be placed on supervision by experienced and well-trained staff; and his views on whether such supervision is possible in areas where there are no supervisory officers.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

I am very conscious that the staffing levels of all the fisheries boards have fallen significantly in recent years due to general restrictions on recruitment and to the take up by the board staff of the early retirement scheme.

I am fully aware of the need to ensure that the fisheries boards are adequately staffed to enable them to fulfil their functions to protect, conserve and develop the important inland fisheries resource.

Since becoming Minister for the Marine I have been actively pursuing the filling of certain priority posts in the boards including supervisory posts. It is necessary, in accordance with Govenment policy, due to restrictions on public expenditure, and by extension recruitment to the Public Service, to explore the possibility of filling these poses by redeployment from within the Public Service.

As I indicated to the House on 13 October last, I understand that the Revenue Commissioners have completed their restructuring of the customs and excise service and as a result of this they have identified surplus staff in certain areas. They expect to be in a position to offer redeployment to these staff on a targeted basis. It is expected that this process will commence in the very near future and I am hopeful of a satisfactory conclusion.

With regard to supervisory staff, I am satisfied that existing staff resources are deployed by management in such fashion to ensure that the work of the boards is carried out as effectively as possible.