Proposed Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Questions (360)

Gerry Adams

Question:

360. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of consultation he has undertaken with stakeholders on the new legislative proposals governing inland fisheries; if he has taken onboard the concerns of anglers regarding the compulsory angler registration charge, many of whom believe this registration charge is an attack on the tradition and way of life of angling in this State; if the new regulations will include the establishment of a national angler register or database; if any money generated by such proposals will go straight towards the development of the angling sector and the conservation and protection of the rivers and lakes of this State; when the legislative proposals will come before Dáil Éireann; and the amount of money his Department has invested in each of the past three years in much needed habitat development work, angling facility development and fisheries protection and training. [6828/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies on this matter, the most recent being on 30 January. These responses comprehensively address the issues raised by the Deputy.

On the issue of consultation, as part of the review of the Inland Fisheries legislation, I organised a series of public information and consultation meetings (Drogheda, Carrick-on-Shannon, Tuam, Clonmel and Dublin). In addition to public meetings, input was also sought through a Public Consultation Process, which was open for receipt of written submissions from 13 May to 28 June last. The submissions received from this process are available on the Department's website: www.dcenr.ie.

A question of how funding could be mobilised for the development of the sector arose as part of this consultation, and it was made clear that any such funding would have to be carefully ring-fenced and returned to individual sub-sectors in proportion to funding raised (Coarse angling, Salmon angling, etc.). There were differing views, some in support, others disagreeing. For my part I have stated my position a number of times publicly, making it clear that any funding instrument must not be divisive within the angling community and will only work if it has broad support across the angling sector. I fully appreciate the sensitivity of this issue and the conviction with which different views are held. I will be meeting with angling associations and the Board of IFI to discuss these issues further in the coming days. All of us involved with angling and inland fisheries have a role in ensuring the long term viability of this important resource and this must be our shared priority.

On the issue of investment in habitat development work, angling facility development and fisheries protection and training, these are funded via Inland Fisheries Ireland and I have asked IFI provide this information on these matters directly to the Deputy.