Vol. 549 No. 3
113 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to amend the control of fishing for salmon order, 1980; his views on whether the order should apply to all those who fish for salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6512/02]
A review of the control of fishing for salmon order by a subgroup of the National Salmon Commission working with my Department and the fisheries boards is currently under way. The review is examining the changes needed to deliver significant rationalisation of categories and the numbers of licences. Subject to the emerging advice, any changes will be put in place for 2003.
The provisions of the order apply to the issue by the regional fisheries boards of salmon fishing licences for fishing engines other than rod and line. The purpose of the order is to regulate the issue of these commercial salmon fishing licences by the boards, principally by fixing the maximum number of licences which may be issued in each fishery district in any year. Accordingly, I have no plans to apply the provisions of the order to the recreational angling sector.
