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Tuesday, 18 Feb 2014

Written Answers Nos. 448-471

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Questions (449)

Michael McGrath

Question:

449. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will clarify if all branches of the Civil Service within his Department are applying Department policy that staff progress or incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8677/14]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the administration of increments in my Department is undertaken in line with the policy and procedures governing such matters as set down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

State Bodies

Questions (450)

Shane Ross

Question:

450. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as far as he is aware if any official body under the aegis of his Department subscribes to the daily inflation data for Ireland collected by a company (details supplied); if so, the cost of this service; if the data will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8691/14]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has no record of a payment to a company of that name. With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that the matters raised are part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy’s Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.

National Emergency Plan Implementation

Questions (451)

Ciara Conway

Question:

451. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if consideration is being given to investing in an advance warning system for Ireland in view of the recognised threat posed by earthquakes and plate tectonic movements which could result in a large scale and potentially devastating tsunami on a small island nation; the work that has been done on this to date; when we can expect such a system to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7471/14]

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Written answers

Ireland lies in a geologically stable part of the world, far removed from active plate tectonic boundaries. Tsunami-generating earthquakes have occurred in the wider north Atlantic region and hazard assessments by the Geological Survey of Ireland indicate that there is a small threat to Ireland from such events. Tsunami threats to Ireland include; a repeat of the 1755 magnitude 8.6 Lisbon earthquake, which GSI-commissioned modelling predicts could generate waves up to 4m high on the southern Irish coastline (see http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/flooding/documents/risk/tsunami06.pdf); the seismic zone responsible for this earthquake, and a similar one in 1761 that also produced a tsunami, is a fault zone called the Azores-Gibralter fracture that continues to be active and has had a few relatively large but non-tsunamigenic earthquakes in recent years; the 1755 and 1761 tsunamis were the last authenticated tsunami impacts on the Irish coast. Other potential tsunami generating events would include earthquakes along the Caribbean plate margin, submarine landslides and volcanic activity in the Canaries. To date modelled wave sizes for Ireland are less than those predicted in 100 year flood mapping and considerably less than those that recently occurred due to Atlantic storms.

The international nature of ocean waters dictate that a co-operative international approach is the most appropriate response to the development of early warning systems and efforts in this regard are being coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in the case of the North East Atlantic and Mediterranean. This international effort is currently being led by partners in France, involving partners throughout the Atlantic region and is expected to take some time. My Department is coordinating the engagement of national partners in this project and Ireland contributes seismic and sea level data to that system and participates in communications exercises in preparation for assimilation of tsunami warning into the national emergency management system.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (452, 453, 460, 475, 476, 478)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

452. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the efforts that have been made to implement plans to have fibre-optic cables which will allow speeds 100 Mpbs and greater, using fibre-to-the-home technology delivered to rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7551/14]

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Jerry Buttimer

Question:

453. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will indicate any policy change or implementation programme regarding the roll-out to rural areas of broadband in particular to a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7558/14]

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Dominic Hannigan

Question:

460. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the availability of broadband in an area (details supplied) in County Meath; the speeds that are being offered by the different providers; if his Department has verified these speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7695/14]

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Seán Fleming

Question:

475. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a satisfactory broadband service will be supplied in Cullohill, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8216/14]

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Seán Fleming

Question:

476. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a satisfactory broadband service will be supplied in Ballaghmore, Borris in Ossory, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8217/14]

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Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

478. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if broadband services will be put in a place in a community (details supplied) where no such service is in place; the current stage of plans to provide such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8263/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 452, 453, 460, 475, 476 and 478 together.

Ireland’s telecommunications market has been fully liberalised since 1999 in accordance with the requirements of binding EU Directives. The market has since developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. The regulation of the industry, including regulatory issues surrounding speeds, is a matter for ComReg, which is independent in the exercise of its functions. Details of broadband services available in each County can be found on a number of websites, including ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie, as well as the websites of individual commercial operators.

The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses including those in Counties Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois and Meath. This will be achieved by providing:

- a policy and regulatory framework that assists in accelerating and incentivising commercial investment, and

- a State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest.

Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are under way and in some instances have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. In the fixed line segment of the market, eircom has announced plans to pass 1.4m addresses with its next generation broadband service, with speeds of up to 100Mbps, while UPC has increased its entry level and maximum speeds to 120Mbps and 200Mbps respectively. Mobile operators have also made announcements regarding network upgrades and are rolling out enhanced product offerings. The ESB Electronic Communications Bill, which I introduced last month, is a further step in promoting investment in competitively priced high speed broadband which is likely to include the prospect of fibre to the home services. The Bill will, when enacted, enable the ESB to utilise its electricity distribution network to provide telecommunications services in the Irish market.

I am aware of at least one service provider announcing that it will be providing advanced broadband services in a number of locations referred to in the Questions, including Kildare town in County Kildare, Borris in Ossory in County Laois and Dunshaughlin in County Meath before July 2016 and my Department will be happy to discuss this further with the Deputies concerned.

Many of these developments have been facilitated through the implementation of measures in the National Broadband Plan, including the conclusion of ComReg's multiband spectrum auction, and the regulatory regime for fixed line Next Generation Access and service bundles. Both of these measures are designed to incentivise the roll-out of services by operators.

In tandem with these developments, intensive work, including a comprehensive mapping exercise, continues in my Department in relation to the State-led investment to secure the countrywide introduction of next generation broadband access. In order to progress the State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest, a full procurement process must be designed and EU State Aids approval must be obtained.

Under the national mapping exercise, information has been sought from all undertakings authorised by ComReg in relation to current and planned broadband services, both basic and next generation access (NGA). Mapping data has been submitted to my Department by a total of 23 operators and the process of analysing the data and supporting information is continuing. In many cases, this includes follow-up queries and requests for further information. The mapping data is being assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the EU State Aid Guidelines. When all of the information has been analysed, a clear picture should emerge of coverage throughout all of the country. When this process is complete, it is my intention to publish a map showing existing and planned NGA broadband coverage, along with the Government’s proposals for a State-led intervention to roll out high speed broadband across the country.

In designing the procurement process for the intervention, my Department will be required to comply with the EU State aid rules which set out conditionality in relation to, among other things, technology neutrality. As different technological solutions exist to provide broadband services, no particular technology or network platform should be excluded. The EU State aid guidelines do, however, emphasise the role of fibre in assisting the delivery of high speed broadband through various platforms.

Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations, including stakeholder engagement, are ongoing. The procurement process for the approved intervention will be carried out in accordance with EU and Irish procurement rules and it is expected that it will be launched in 2014.

Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, I am committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland have access to high speed broadband, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.

North-South Interconnector

Questions (454)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

454. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify if an underground route-specific analysis of the North-South interconnector was ever carried out by EirGrid's consultants (details supplied), and if such a study took place would a map of the specific route analysed be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7559/14]

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Written answers

Detailed studies have been conducted for the project, most recently by the Independent International Commission of Experts appointed in July 2011 which reported in February 2012. An earlier route-specific underground analysis was also conducted by PB Power. Further detailed information on the matter is available from EirGrid.

EirGrid has set up a telephone “hotline" to allow deputies to contact the company with queries relating to Grid25. The number is 01-2370419. This telephone line is available 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, between 08.30 and 16.45. Any calls outside those times will be recorded and EirGrid will endeavour to return the call the next business day. EirGrid also have a dedicated email for Oireachtas members. That address is Oireachtas@EirGrid.com.

Broadcasting Service Provision

Questions (455)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

455. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of meetings his Department has had with organisations (details supplied) in relation to Saorview; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7572/14]

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Written answers

Officials in my Department and I meet with TG4 on a regular basis to discuss a range of policy and Corporate Governance matters; most recently my officials met with TG4 in January of this year. These meetings are supplemented by frequent informal communications. Discussions occasionally include TG4's HD carriage on Saorview, notwithstanding the commercial nature of any such decisions and the Company's independence in that regard. In respect of the Irish Film Channel and Oireachtas TV, both my Officials and I have had discussions on this matter with the Ceann Comhairle and the Irish Film Board formally and informally over the period in question.

On foot of these discussions, in June 2012 I met with the Ceann Comhairle to discuss the provision of Oireachtas TV on the Saorview platform, which was followed in September of that year by a further meeting at official level.

Postcode Implementation

Questions (456, 459, 472)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

456. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a UK company has been given the tender for the new Irish postcodes at the cost of €25 million; the reason he did not use an Irish company such as Loc8 code which is a free service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7608/14]

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John Lyons

Question:

459. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the introduction of postcodes here; the cost of the introduction of this scheme to the State; and if a decision has been reached on the postcodes for the Dublin area as of yet. [7667/14]

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Pearse Doherty

Question:

472. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Questions No. 389-394 on 4 February 2014, where he stated an open and competitive procurement process was conducted in accordance with Department of Finance and EU procurement frameworks in relation to the awarding of the postal code contract to Capita, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an Irish SME has had the process examined by the EC Public Procurement Unit in Brussels and is claiming that a judgment has been returned which states that the financial requirements in the procurement process set by the Government breached EU regulations and this and other elements did not conform with the guidelines either in the EU or in Ireland regarding the facilitation of SME participation in procurement processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8060/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456, 459 and 472 together.

The Government approved the appointment of Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited as the company which will develop, roll-out and operate the National Postcode System following the conclusion of the public procurement process in 2013.

My Department received no offer to provide a postcode system without cost as part of the procurement process under which the postcode operator was chosen.

The introduction of the national postcode system to the state is expected to cost around €16m as the postcode system is developed and rolled out over the next 2 years and there will be a cost of about €1.2m per year over the remainder of the licence period.

It is intended that householders will be informed of their postcodes in 2015 when the system will come into operation. In the meantime the groundwork designing the code and updating private and public sector databases to accommodate the new postcode system is currently under way. The design of the postcode is currently being finalised. At the time of the conclusion of the procurement it was announced that the postcode is intended to be a 7 character code and in Dublin, the existing postal districts will appear as the first 3 characters of the new postcode.

My Department received correspondence from the EU Commission during 2012 in relation to the procurement process for the National Postcode System. The case was fully examined by the EU Commission which informed the Department in November 2013 that the matter was closed and no further action would be taken by the Commission.

Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Questions (457)

Barry Cowen

Question:

457. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by zero to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7624/14]

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Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below:

The number of staff on career break in Department of Communications, Energy & Natural resources is set out in the following table.

Career Break period

0 - 6 Months

6 - 12 months

1 - 2 years

2-3 years

4 - 5 years

5 years plus

Number of staff

1

0

5

1

2

0

Departmental Staff Sick Leave

Questions (458)

Barry Cowen

Question:

458. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7640/14]

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Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the tables below:

Total Uncertified Sick Days Taken

-

2009

2010

2011

2012

Uncertified Sick Days Taken

271

268

274

184

Average per Employee* in the Department

1

1

1

1

Total Certified Sick Days Taken

-

2009

2010

2011

2012

Certified Sick Days Taken

3,301

3,088

2,109

2,181

Average per Employee* in the Department

11

11

7

8

*Includes all persons including those on atypical working patterns

Total Sick Days Taken

-

2009

2010

2011

2012

Sick Days Taken

3,572

3,356

2,383

2,365

Average per Employee* in the Department

12

12

8

9

*Includes all persons including those on atypical working patterns

Median Number of Sick Days Taken

-

2009

2010

2011

2012

** Median

3

5.5

5

6

** The Median is the midpoint separating the higher half of the data average from the lower.

Since 2010 there has been a reduction of 30% in the total number of sick days taken in my Department and a 27% reduction in cost. This is due to the implementation of an Attendance Management Policy in my Department in 2011 which incorporates a stronger approach to the management and reduction of sick leave in the Department.

Question No. 459 answered with Question No. 456.
Question No. 460 answered with Question No. 452.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (461)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

461. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views regarding the ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7744/14]

View answer

Written answers

ESB (Electronic Communications Networks) Bill 2013 is a relatively short legislative proposal, the purpose of which is to provide an explicit legal basis to enable the ESB or any other company with its agreement to engage, now or in the future, in the installation and operation of an electronic communications network along the electricity network.

Section 3 of the draft Bill allows other telecommunications service providers the opportunity to negotiate access to ESB’s infrastructure in order to provide telecommunications services of their own.

Where the ESB agrees to grant such access, the third party operator, may, with the consent of the Commission for Energy Regulation, also exercise the way-leave rights conferred on the ESB by the relevant sections of the Electric (Supply) Act 1927. In addition, the payment of compensation to the landowner may also be appropriate.

Access to the proposed way-leave rights would not permit the ESB or any other company to enter private land to install new poles or other support structures for electronic communications infrastructure or to secure fixtures or fittings to any building. I am satisfied these arrangement would not convey an unfair advantage on any particular competitor in the electronic communications market.

Broadcasting Charge

Questions (462)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

462. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the broadcasting charge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7745/14]

View answer

Written answers

I am currently considering the results of a public consultation process on the introduction of the proposed Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) Charge. The consultation was based on the outcome of a Value for Money (VFM) Review on the charge, which was conducted by my Department last year. The VFM and public consultation will inform proposals on the shape of the charge which I will bring to Government in due course.

It is my intention that the PSB Charge will be an efficient and cost effective replacement for the TV Licence. At present the only grounds for exemption from TV Licence payment is eligibility for the Household Benefits Package. I do not foresee the introduction of a new and complex system of exemptions from PSB Charge payment for any reason, including individual views on content.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (463)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

463. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps a landowner at a location in County Kerry (details supplied) would need to take to remove silt and other deposit material from a river bed as the material is causing flooding at this location; if Inland Fisheries Ireland would agree to the removal of this material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7764/14]

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Written answers

I am advised that the site referred to by the Deputy is located in the tidal section of the Laune river and is within the Natura 2000 designated Special Area Of Conservation of the Castlemaine Harbour.

Development or works on the foreshore in this area are subject to the requirements of the Foreshore Act and are also a notifiable action under the EU Habitats Directive. Both the Act and the EU Directive are under the remit of the Department of the Environment Community and Local Government.

Flood Prevention Measures

Questions (464)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

464. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps a landowner at a location in County Kerry (details supplied) may need to take to remove silt and other deposit material from a river bed, as the material is causing flooding at this location; if Inland Fisheries Ireland would agree to the removal of this material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7766/14]

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Written answers

I am advised that he site referred to by the Deputy is in the tidal section of the Feale (Cashen) River in the Shannon River Water Basin District. Development or works on the tidal (foreshore) area are subject to the requirements of the Foreshore Act which is under the remit of the Department of Environment Community and Local Government. I am further advised that site is also included in the Channel Maintenance Programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW) as part of the South West Drainage Programme.

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Questions (465)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

465. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if all technical vacancies in the petroleum affairs division of his Department have been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7813/14]

View answer

Written answers

The Public Appointments Service is currently holding an open competition for two technical vacancies in the Petroleum Affairs Division. As the competition process for both vacancies has not yet completed, there have been no appointments made to date. It is envisaged that the process will be concluded shortly.

Inland Waterways Maintenance

Questions (466)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

466. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the extraction of gravel from rivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7818/14]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised that, on request from a landowner, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) will discuss their requirements and/or concerns to assist in alleviating any issues and to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation within the Fisheries Acts. I am also advised that there are locations where the requirements of EU Habitats Directive, in respect of certain species and their habitat, would apply and IFI would be happy to offer guidance if the landowner contacts the local IFI office. It is important for the landowner to ensure that all the appropriate permissions are in place before any works are commenced and IFI can advise in this regard.

Security Checks

Questions (467)

Noel Harrington

Question:

467. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any of his departmental or ministerial offices have been swept for electronic or any other type of surveillance or bugging equipment since coming to office in March 2011; the reasons for this check; the results of this check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7889/14]

View answer

Written answers

Security at all Departmental buildings is kept under on-going review and it is not proposed to comment further on security matters.

Departmental Bodies Establishment

Questions (468)

Seán Fleming

Question:

468. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list any new organisations-agencies established in his Department since 9 March 2011; the role and functions and the annual operating budget for these organisations-agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7940/14]

View answer

Written answers

I have not established any new State bodies since taking office in March 2011.

Postcode Implementation

Questions (469)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

469. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason it is considered necessary to create a unique postal code for every household in the country in view of the fact that the Revenue Commissioners have conducted the same exercise creation on unique reference for each property for collection of local property tax. [7954/14]

View answer

Written answers

The design structure and functionality of the National Postcode is very different from that of other unique identifiers that exist in the public service databases and provides a rationale for its existence. The national postcode will be a publically available code, appear on mail items and be used for a variety of different purposes by public and private sector organisations.

Energy Conservation

Questions (470)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

470. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason fuel merchants are required to collect information including MPRN from customers in the sale of solid fuels stoves while those outlets who do not sell fuel are not required to collect MPRN information; his views on whether such a requirement on fuel merchants places them at a commercial disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8033/14]

View answer

Written answers

All energy suppliers above a certain minimum threshold are required to achieve annual energy saving targets as part of Ireland’s compliance requirements under the Energy Efficiency Directive. The efficiency savings achieved by energy suppliers must be audited by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). To do this, SEAI must be capable of verifying the information provided by energy suppliers. For works carried out in the residential sector, MPRN numbers are required to identify the individual residence and ensure that credits are only claimed once for a particular measure in a particular residence.

Only energy suppliers are covered by the programme, and thus subject to audit and verification by the SEAI. I would emphasise that all energy suppliers, above the minimum threshold, are treated equally in that they are all required to collect relevant identification data. Accordingly, no commercial advantage or disadvantage arises.

Fisheries Protection

Questions (471)

Seán Kyne

Question:

471. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his interpretation of by-law 533 of the 1966 Fisheries Act as it relates to snorkelling for shellfish when snorkelling is permitted; the conditions or restrictions that apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8052/14]

View answer

Written answers

The enforcement of bye law 533 of 1966 is exercised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). I am advised by IFI that, on an operational basis, the bye-law is construed as prohibiting snorkelling to target shellfish. Interpretation of the bye law would be a matter for the Courts.

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