Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - Inland Fisheries.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

41 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to assist the angling sector, in view of the severe difficulties it is experiencing arising from restrictions due to foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8128/01]

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

As part of a range of measures taken to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease to the State, I made a by-law prohibiting angling nationwide with effect from 3 March. This measure was taken following consultations with the central and regional fisheries boards and was in line with measures adopted by the Government acting with the greatest degree of caution commensurate with the risk of an outbreak of this very serious disease in Ireland.

I am aware this restriction has placed a considerable burden on the angling sector which is particularly vulnerable due to the niche nature of many enterprises. Accordingly, my Department at the earliest opportunity sought the advice of the expert group in relation to foot and mouth disease controls. On 16 March my Department received the recommendations of the expert group which allow for the lifting of the legal prohibition on angling with effect from 23 March. My Department is issuing guidelines which will be applicable to all involved in the angling sector from 23 March.

In summary, angling activity may resume from 23 March subject to non-entry onto agricultural land to which animals susceptible to the disease may have had access. This easing of the restrictions should allow for the resumption of ordinary angling activity in many cases, in particular lake and sea angling. Unfortunately, however, it remains the case that visiting anglers from the UK and other infected areas should be discouraged.

In close co-ordination with my Government colleagues and with the advice of the expert group I will continue to monitor the need for and effect of the current restrictions. Furthermore, I will examine practical steps which can be taken to assist the sector to recover from this period when it is clear the disease no longer poses a threat to the country.