Fishing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

Questions (1428)

Mary Butler

Question:

1428. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the culture and knowledge required for eel fishermen either for commercial fishing or scientific research fisheries needs to be safeguarded for the future; his plans to have the issue examined in co-operation with IFI, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and fishermen that have the necessary knowledge of this ancient method of fishing and identity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37045/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Seán Kyne)

I refer to the reply to Parliamentary Question No.1249 of 26 July 2017. In addition, Inland Fisheries Ireland has engaged a number of former eel fishermen around the country in an eel research fishery which commenced in 2016.  This research is intended to contribute to informing a review, due in 2018, of the existing management measures contained in Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP). The EMP has been approved by the European Commission under EU Regulation 1100/2007.