Vol. 523 No. 4
58 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to implement the proposed buy-out of drift net, draft net, snap net and fishing traps for salmon fishing; the criteria that will be used to calculate the compensation to be paid to licence holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21330/00]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 65 of 14 June 2000, in which I explained that I have requested the National Salmon Commission to analyse and advise me on all the options for incentivising the reduction of the commercial salmon fishing effort. The precise criteria which may be used to calculate compensation payable to holders of fishing licences are under development and will be informed by the advice of the commission when received. At present, for example, matching Exchequer funding is being provided for a pilot scheme for the set-aside of salmon draft nets and a salmon trap on the Munster Blackwater. I have requested the regional fisheries boards to encourage the various players in the fisheries regions and catchments to develop similar pilot projects based on consensus and local contribution.
