Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:27 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the scale of the proposals currently being put forward by the Foyle Fisheries Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23153/96]
Written Answers. - Foyle Fisheries Commission.
Following a comprehensive review by KPMG management consultants of the operation, funding, structure and staffing of the Foyle Fisheries Commission and endorsement by Ministers of the recommendations of that review, a number of proposals are being taken forward jointly by the two sponsoring Departments North and South in consultation with the commission itself.
It is proposed to expand the statutory role of the commission to include the development of the fisheries resource and the promotion and development of angling facilities and to provide powers for the licensing and regulation of aquaculture and sea fishing within Lough Foyle. It is also proposed to restructure and enhance the role of the Foyle Fisheries Advisory Council to enable it to play a more strategic role in the direction of the commission. Legislation is in preparation in both jurisdictions to implement these changes.
Additional investment to equip the commission with vital additional resources is already under way together with the implementation of changes to the internal structure of the commission which will significantly enhance its strategic management capability, efficiency and effectiveness. A new post of chief executive has been established which is bringing new leadership and direction to the organisation.
The implementation of these proposals will have positive economic benefit for the fisheries resource as a whole in the cross Border region and will enable the Foyle Fisheries Commission itself to realise new opportunities for development and strategic planning on an efficient and effective basis.