Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
140. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the development of the new policy statement for inland fisheries in Ireland; if he will provide a breakdown of the draft policy papers prepared to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25763/23]
View answerThe development of of a new policy statement for the inland fisheries sector is a significant and complex undertaking which will take account of developments and challenges around conservation, protection, biodiversity, ecological and environmental issues over recent years. Significant progress has been made by my Department.
To date, draft preparatory policy/discussion documents have been prepared based on a range of themes including::
• Regulatory and policy framework.
• International and EU requirements.
• Review of secondary legislation.
• Fisheries Management.
• Sea angling.
• Review of salmonid management.
• Impacts of water quality and climate change.
• Impacts of aquaculture.
• Aquatic alien invasive species.
• Funding models.
Similar papers on additional themes will be progressed over the coming months. All of the theme-based draft papers will inform a single comprehensive draft policy statement for the whole sector. The intention is to submit the final draft policy for public consultation.
