Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 7

Written Answers. - Inland Fisheries.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

18 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when elections will be held for the regional fishery boards; the plans, if any, he has for the reform of inland fishery structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19030/97]

Billy Timmins

Question:

21 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that the fishery boards as currently constituted are the best way of organising and controlling inland fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19019/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 21 together.

I am comprehensively reviewing the structures, services and organisation of the inland fisheries sector with a view to implementing the necessary degree of change, both legislative and organisational, to deliver as my strategic objectives for the inland fisheries resource. My objective is to ensure effective and efficient delivery of service and best deployment of human and financial resources. I have already announced my intention to move to a "catchment management" strategy for conservation development and management of fisheries.

This will give better ownership of development strategies at regional and local communities level. This strategy will be combined with improved management delivery, resource deployment, quantified targets and greater clarity in the respective roles of the Department, the Central Fisheries Board and the Regional Fisheries Boards.

Immediately on taking office I requested the Central Fisheries Board to draw up, as a priority, a five year inland fisheries development plan which I expect to receive shortly. My decisions on future strategic directions for inland fisheries will be fully informed by this plan, with the Comptroller and Auditor General's helpful report on the management of inland fisheries, the Salmon Management Task Force report and successive consultancy reports into the organisation and management of the inland fisheries service.

In light of this review I have concluded that it would be best to postpone elections to the regional fisheries boards for one year. These would normally be due next month. I am writing accordingly to the chairmen of the boards to advise them of my decision. It follows that the elections to the fisheries development societies will also be postponed for one year which will allow me to complete the current review of their operations also.