John Ellis
Ceist:118 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for the Marine if he will introduce a code of conduct regarding the operation of certificate of inspection under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1991. [2112/96]
Written Answers - Share Certificate Scheme.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the share certificate scheme as established by the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1991 and administered by the regional fisheries co-operative societies.
Eight societies, with jurisdictional areas corresponding to those of the regional fisheries boards, but with two societies covering the Shannon region, were established under the 1991 Act. I understand that two of the Societies (Northern and Upper Shannon) decided, in accordance with the enabling legislation, to make the holding of a share certificate a compulsory requirement for fishing in their areas. This requiment is enforced by the regional fisheries board in the areas concerned.
At the request of the Upper Shannon Trout and Coarse Fish Development Society checks to ensure that anglers hold an appropriate share certificate have been carried out by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board since 1994.
The statutory responsibility for enforcement rests with the fisheries boards. The board has assured me in this instance that it is fully aware of its responsibilities to enforce the law in an equitable and reasonable manner and staff are trained in appropriate procedures for carring out the checks in question.