Vol. 486 No. 1
262 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will give details in relation to eel fishing, in particular, on the way in which the regulated 10 per cent gap in the deepest part of a river must be provided for; the person responsible for implementing this regulation; and if inspections are carried out regularly concerning this. [2007/98]
The regulatory requirements in relation to inter alia the provision of “free gaps” in fishing weirs are laid down in sections 107, 108 and 109 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959. The relevant regulations on the authorisation of the use of fishing weirs and other fishing engines for the purpose of capturing eels are set out in section 100 of the Act. A copy of the relevant legislation is being forwarded to the Deputy. The legislation governing the issue of eel fishing authorisations and licences generally is currently being reviewed in consultation with the central and regional fisheries boards and the Office of the Attorney General.
Responsibility for the enforcement of the regulatory requirements in question is a matter for the regional fisheries boards. The boards have been requested to provide details of inspections and the results of inspections into the operation of fishing weirs and these will be forwarded to the Deputy on receipt.
