Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 6

Written Answers. - Foyle Fisheries Commission.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

210 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the current situation in relation to the Foyle Fisheries Commission legislation; the meetings, if any, which have taken place to date between the two Ministers in this regard; the meetings with local persons in Donegal which have taken place subsequent to the submissions which were made in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11811/97]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

In 1994 both Governments endorsed the recommendations of the review of the operations, funding, structure and staffing of the Foyle Fisheries Commission and authorised the drafting of legislation to give effect jointly to those recommendations of the review which required legislative action.

The parallel drafting process involving the Attorney General's office and the office of the Legislative Counsel, Belfast and associated discussions between the two sponsoring Departments is progressing in accordance with the proposals authorised by both Governments.

Respective Ministers have been briefed on the progress to date on the drafting process and of ongoing official contacts in the matter. While no specific consultative meetings at ministerial level have been held recently in relation to the legislative proposals, Ministers will continue to take appropriate opportunities to discuss progress.

I understand that the Commission is at present considering in detail the responses to its consultation document on the aquaculture and sea fishing proposals issued last year to fisheries interests in the Foyle Area and will, on request, meet with interested groups to discuss their submissions.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the Foyle Fisheries Commission met the Fisheries Committee of Donegal County Council on 7 April, to brief them on the proposed legislative and current developments generally.

The Commission also takes the opportunity at meetings of the Foyle Area Advisory Council, which is representative of the various fisheries interests in the Foyle Area, to update members on progress being made by both Governments on the proposed legislation.