Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 5

Written Answers. - Salmon Fishing Licences.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

37 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to a circular and questionnaire, issued by one of his own nominees on the national salmon task force, suggesting a buy-out of commercial salmon licences for sums between £80,000 and £120,000; his views on the questionnaire; his further views on a possible buy-out of salmon licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26917/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

I am aware that a member of the National Salmon Commission, acting on his own personal initiative, circulated a letter and questionnaire to holders of commercial salmon fishing licences. Neither the questionnaire nor the sums mooted in the questionnaire have any official status whatsoever. The chairman of the commission has also confirmed that the questionnaire does not represent the views of the commission.

I have mandated the commission to formulate its analysis and advice on a number of key management and conservation priorities relating to the salmon resource including incentivising reduction of commercial salmon fishing effort. I am awaiting the advice of the commission. Overall policy on salmon management will continue to be informed by all the factors at work including the legitimate entitlements of commercial fishermen as stakeholders in the resource.