Vol. 565 No. 3
67 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to finalise the terms of reference of the strategic independent review of the Government's involvement in the inland fisheries sector; the person by whom the review will be carried out; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10828/03]
I have previously advised the House of my intention and fullest commitment to delivering a root and branch examination of the State's role and objectives in the inland fisheries sector by way of the review referred to by the Deputy. My Department is considering the best deployment of resources for the conduct of this review bearing in mind various reports that have been produced in the past and international experience on the management of inland fisheries.
The environment around the inland fisheries sector is changing and structures around Government need to be adjusted to cope with the new circumstances into the future. It is of vital importance that we establish correct terms of reference for the proposed review, as this ultimately determines the success of the outcome of the exercise. Following the receipt of views by interested parties, my Department is now carrying out work on scoping the study, the methodology for its conduct and arrangements for procurement. I plan to publish the terms of reference following this.
