Vol. 486 No. 1
248 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the value for money study conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to inland fisheries; and the action, if any, he proposes to take on foot of the report. [1573/98]
249 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the conclusion made by the Comptroller and Auditor General in his value for money report on the operation of the Central Fisheries Board and the monitoring of inland fisheries by his Department. [1574/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
I have received the value for money report by the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to inland fisheries. In the main, I would concur with much of the analysis in the report. Many of the weaknesses identified have been well known and fully acknowledged for some time. A number of actions are under way which are addressing the key recommendations of the report, including the following. At my request, on assuming office, the Central Fisheries Board has now delivered a five year development plan for the sector. Updated development plans are also being worked on by the regional boards. Outstanding annual accounts of the regional boards are being finalised.
I have already announced a major review of the structures, services and organisation of the inland fisheries sector, which is being fully informed by inter alia the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report.
