Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
126. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider a compensation package for the next of kin of draft fishing licenceholders if the licenceholder has passed away since the last time draft fishing was permitted; if not, if he will consider allowing next of kin to inherit the draft fishing licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7021/23]
View answer131. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a compensation scheme will be offered to draft net fishing licenceholders based on region in circumstances where he does not foresee that region allowing draft net fishing within the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7026/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 131 together.
Commercial salmon fishing licences are public licences which must be taken out annually under the provisions of the Fisheries Acts. Such licences are entirely permissive in nature, confer no rights on the licensee, are not the property of the holder nor can they be held on a permanent basis.
In that context the issue of compensation does not arise. In addition, given the nature of the public licences they are not inheritable or capable of transfer or sale.
In 2007, the Government established a €25m hardship scheme open to all holders of a commercial salmon licence. The majority of active fishers availed of payment under the measure and the scheme closed in 2008 with all funds expended.
There are no plans to introduce a similar scheme.
