Vol. 487 No. 3
104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if sufficient measures are in place to protect wild trout stocks to ensure the future of angling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4170/98]
105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that adequate protection exists to ensure the future of wild salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4171/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.
Considerable State resources are devoted to the protection of salmon and trout accounting for over half of the direct annual expenditure by the regional fisheries boards, £4 million approximately. There has been significant capital investment, with EU support in salmon patrol vessels and equipment for the central and regional fisheries boards in recent years. The efficiency, effectiveness and value for money of the national and regional inland fisheries protection programmes is being evaluated currently in the context of my review of overall fisheries management and conservation strategies and of expenditure programmes and structures of the inland fisheries service.
