EU Directives.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004

Wednesday, 31 March 2004

Questions (175)

Emmet Stagg

Question:

175 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU Commissioner for the Environment is investigating complaints from the Wessex Salmon and River Trust, UK and WYE Foundation, UK, that by killing salmon from their CSAC rivers, Ireland is in breach of the EU habitats directive; when the complaints were submitted to his Department; the reason no response has issued to date; when it is proposed to make a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10245/04]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

The complaint to which the Deputy refers was forwarded by the EU Commission in July 2003 to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which has primary responsibility for the implementation in Ireland of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. As the complaint concerned drift net fishing in Irish home waters my Department prepared a comprehensive submission detailing our response to the specific issues raised. I am advised that this response was issued by the Permanent Representation of Ireland in Brussels on 4 November 2003, in accordance with the timetable agreed with the Commission. I understand the Commission has yet to respond to our reply.