Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
124 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends to provide details regarding quotas for commercial wild salmon fisheries for summer 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5880/04]
View answerI rely upon the advice of the National Salmon Commission and the regional fisheries boards' managers in determining the terms of the wild salmon and sea-trout tagging scheme, which inter alia sets out district quotas for the commercial catch. I understand that my colleague and Minister of State, Deputy Browne, met with the National Salmon Commission on Thursday last and that the commission’s recommendations, including the proposed commercial catch quotas, for the operation of the scheme in 2004 are now imminent.
Once I have received these recommendations from the commission, my Department will proceed to finalise the draft regulations to give effect to any proposed adjustments. It is my intention to publish the draft regulations for a 30-day consultation period in early March in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Acts. During this time, interested parties will have an opportunity to submit any objections they may have. Following the receipt and consideration of these, I will then make a final decision on the scheme.
