Vol. 477 No. 5
343 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Marine if he will reverse his decision in relation to salmon fishing in the Boyne estuary area in view of the fact that the new restricted season will cause hardship to many people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9615/97]
I have received representations regarding the impact of the new salmon by-laws on estuarial fisheries in the Boyne and elsewhere. I do not intend to overturn the new conservation regime in any fundamental way. However, I have decided to re-examine the regulations to determine if some relaxation may be justified in specified local areas, by reference to local conditions and the state of the stocks.
344 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine if he will extend the draft net season in County Mayo so that it commences on 15 April instead of 15 May 1997 in order to enable local fisherman to earn a reasonable living from the season. [9629/97]
While I do not intend to overturn the new conservation regime in any fundamental way I have decided to re-examine the regulations to determine if some relaxation may be justified in specified local areas, by reference to local conditions and the state of the stocks. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not feasible to introduce amending regulations to revise an opening date to 15 April 1997 within the short time available.
