Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
530. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if documentation from the Revenue Commissioners will be an acceptable independent proof of eel fishing activity for the purposes of the current support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47735/18]
View answer531. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if applications to the eel fishing scheme can made without prejudice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47736/18]
View answer532. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to a recent judgement by the European Court of Human Rights (details supplied) regarding salmon fishing before designing the eel suppprt scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47737/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 530 to 532, inclusive, together.
The Eel Support Scheme fund is available to all persons who were the holder of a commercial public eel licence or an eel fishing permit from the ESB in the 2007 season (the base year). The 5 reckonable years for payments under the scheme are 2003-2007. In respect of former fishermen and women who were the holder of a licence or permit in the base year, payment will involve a tax free element for each of the 5 reckonable years for which the applicant was a licence or permit holder. A further taxable payment element will be based on the average annual catch, as formally declared by the applicant, during the reckonable years.
The scheme is currently open for applications which must be received by 5.00 p.m. 30 November 2018. An application form and detailed information on the scheme can be obtained from any IFI Office or by downloading the relevant documentation from the IFI website www.fisheriesireland.ie. In the interests of simplifying the application process it is not a requirement to submit evidence of eel fishing activity. The State holds accurate records of commercial public eel licence or an eel fishing permit from the ESB held in the 2007 season. The State also holds accurate records of catches which were declared by the fishermen themselves.
If the Deputy has a particular instance or case in mind, I am happy to arrange that officials from my Department can brief him fully.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy, but my understanding is that it was a decision of the UK Supreme Court further to appeal by the United Kingdom’s Environmental Agency and not a decision of the European Court of Human Rights.
Fishing for eel in Ireland was by way of public licence. I am advised that the individual in the UK Supreme Court proceedings not only held a fishing licence but also leasehold interest in the fishery in question.
