Vol. 506 No. 6
34 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason the tagging and quota scheme as recommended by the salmon management task force was not introduced on 1 May 1999; and when he will introduce this key component of conservation and management measures. [15963/99]
While the intention had been to introduce the salmon tagging scheme this year, work in progress by the tagging working group pointed to the need for further consultation as well as clarification and resolution of a number of practical and legal aspects of the scheme. I have accordingly set a new target date of January 2000 for introduction of the scheme. To facilitate and expedite the process on a consensus basis, arrangements are being finalised for the establishment of the national salmon commission and I have also announced that the report of the salmon tagging working group will be published as quickly as possible which will inform further progress.
