Vol. 499 No. 1
186 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the action, if any, he will take to prevent poaching of fish stocks from the Royal Canal at Leixlip, stocked by Dúchas and the Eastern Regional Fishery Board, and from the Liffey upstream of the power station at Leixlip, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1504/99]
Primary responsibility for the protection of fish in the Liffey rests with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, while Dúchas own and have responsibility for the canals.
I understand however that the Deputy may be referring to coarse fish stocks in particular. These fish may be taken by rod and line without a licence, but may not be taken by netting.
The matter is at present being investigated by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and I wish to assure the Deputy that I will give consideration to any proposals the board make for the protection of coarse fish.
