Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 May 1996

Vol. 466 No. 2

Written Answers. - Drift Netting for Salmon Report.

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

35 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for the Marine if he has received the report and recommendations of the task force on drift netting for salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10003/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I have received the report and recommendations of the salmon management task force. I am working to finalise a comprehensive strategy for the future management of the wild salmon sector based around the task force recommendations and grounded in the various policy objectives which I have previously outlined to the House.

Salmon management policy and its future direction is a matter of national importance and concern. I intend, therefore, to present the task force report to Government shortly, together with my proposals on future management strategies, following which the report will be published in full. I also intend to afford the House, or an appropriate committee of the House, the opportunity to have a full debate on the report and on future strategic directions as soon as this can be arranged.

The basic premise underlying policy is that the balance of advantage on conservation, environmental and economic grounds will lie increasingly with redirecting salmon stocks away from interceptory commercial fishing at sea and towards recreational fishing. In developing the necessary strategies to bring about that transition, salmon policy objectives must have full regard for the interests of those with legitimate rights in salmon exploitation, be they commercial or angling.

There will be complex and delicate balances to be struck in delivering in an integrated way on the strategic framework required. There are numerous issues critical to the conservation of wild salmon stocks to be taken into account in developing that framework. I will be weighing all of these with a view to putting in place the best possible practical measures to secure the future for the wild salmon resource.

I would like to put on record at this time my thanks to the chairman and the members of the task force for their commitment and hard work in delivering this report.

I would also like to thank the numerous individuals and organisations who made submissions to the task force and actively participated in the consultation process around the country. The involvement of so many from all sides of the debate has been a valuable and essential part of the review process.