Brian O'Shea
Question:80 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to introduce a scheme to buy out salmon fishing licenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17981/97]
Written Answers. - Salmon Fishing Licences.
It is my position that all legitimate salmon interests, including commercial netsmen, will benefit from the survival and recovery of salmon stocks, which are the underlying objectives of the new conservation measures. The Government's salmon strategies are designed to secure the future of all legitimate salmon interests, including commercial netsmen. The question of financial compensation for the introduction of those enhanced management strategies, which are of themselves designed to maximise the returns from the salmon fishery, is not under consideration. In that context there are no plans to introduce a buy out scheme.