Vol. 514 No. 6
129 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason the holders of salmon fishing rod and net licences are not allowed to vote in the election of members to fishery boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5066/00]
I can clarify for the Deputy that the holders of salmon rod and net fishing licences are entitled to vote in the forthcoming elections of members to the regional fisheries boards on 20 March. Under the Fisheries Act, 1980, entitlement to vote requires, among other things, that licences must be valid for the electoral year in question. However, under the new framework, elections are being held in March rather than December. Section 7 of the Fisheries Amendment Act, 1999, therefore sets 1999, in effect, as the year for which licences are deemed valid for voting purposes. This provision was made in the interests of licence holders to ensure that those who would normally purchase their licences later in any given year would not be excluded from voting in the elections on this occasion.
