Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2004
148 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason there is a change in the guidelines for the renewal of drift and draft net licences for the 2005 fishing season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31748/04]
View answerI recently introduced the Control of Fishing for Salmon (Amendment) Order 2004 for the purpose of extending from 30 November to 31 January the date by which applications for commercial fishing licences must be received by the regional fisheries boards. This will allow the fisheries boards more time to put in place the annual administrative arrangements for salmon fishing licensing, as well as removing the onus on fishermen to lodge their licence applications so far in advance of the start of the salmon fishing season.
The Deputy will be aware that a sub-group of the National Salmon Commission has comprehensively reviewed the provisions of the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1980 and subsequent amendments. A number of practicable amendments to the orders have been identified with a view to updating and improving the qualifying criteria under which licence applications would be prioritised and assessed by the regional fisheries boards. These amendments reflect best practice in the context of the current management of a licensing system.
A draft order, incorporating the proposed amendments, has been referred to the Attorney General's office for legal advice on its applicability. It is my intention that the final draft will revert to the National Salmon Commission for its endorsement, following consultation with the stakeholders whom it represents, before implementing any changes to the orders.
149 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the buyout of drift and draft net fishing licences in the Shannon Estuary and the Feale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31749/04]
View answerThe Government has consistently ruled out buyout as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and instead promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective. Moreover, no convincing case has been advanced as to the public good that would be achieved by the State in the context of a publicly funded buyout, nor why stakeholders benefiting from increased numbers of salmon entering the rivers should not contribute in whole or in part towards achieving that increase. Consequently, I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial salmon fishing licences including those licences in the Shannon Estuary and Feale. As I previously indicated to the House, I would be prepared, however, to keep the matter under review and would be open to any relevant proposals whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch might fund in whole or in part any compensation arising.
