Vol. 407 No. 6
75 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to a statement (details supplied) that fisheries off the Cork-Kerry coast, as well as inshore estuaries, in the region are unprotected at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I presume the Deputy is refering to salmon fisheries. I am aware that comments of this nature were the subject of a recent newspaper report.
The position is that protection of salmon is a statutory function of the regional fisheries boards, in this instance the South-Western Regional Fisheries Board. Day to day operational decisions in connection with salmon protection are solely a matter for the regional boards.
My Department will be liaising with the regional boards and the Naval Service on an ongoing basis to ensure that the highest level of protection is afforded and the need to have regard to the highest safety standards.
