Brian O'Shea
Question:128 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has to reduce the number of fisheries boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26035/03]
Written Answers. - Regional Fisheries Boards.
I have no proposals at present to reduce the number of fisheries boards. The Deputy will no doubt be aware, however, that the report of the independent Estimates review committee to the Minister for Finance indicated in respect of the fisheries boards that "there would seem to be scope for rationalising the existing structures of the central and regional fisheries boards" and questioned "whether the existing arrangements represent the most efficient means by which the functions in question can be discharged".
My Department recently sought tenders from suitably qualified consultants to undertake a review of the inland fisheries sector in Ireland. These tenders are currently being assessed and I expect to announce a decision shortly on the consultants chosen to undertake this task.
I intend that this review would not just look at the central and regional fisheries boards but would be a root and branch examination of my Department's and the Government's involvement in the governance of the sector as well as the involvement of other State agencies including the Marine Institute, BIM, the ESB, Dúchas, the EPA and Fáilte Ireland.
The consultants will be required to evaluate the adequacy of the current model for the governance of the inland fisheries sector; to define the current relationship between the Government, the Department(s) and the inland fisheries sector and suggest new more effective models; and to recommend a structure which will contribute to the optimum development of the inland fisheries resource in Ireland.
I expect the review will appraise and recommend management and ownership options including, for example, enhanced private sector involvement. I believe the review needs to be imaginative in examining proposals, which might include the transfer of non-essential core activities away from the inland fisheries management.
The review is to be completed in two stages over six months from commissioning. It is expected that stage one will be completed by the end of January 2004. The review team will be expected to consult widely with the affected stakeholders and I have ensured that arrangements are in place to provide for a partnership approach to any restructuring of the organisations involved.