Vol. 526 No. 3
169 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to introduce set-aside buy-out on the Nore estuary; if so, when the details will be available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26668/00]
The Southern Regional Fisheries Board informs me that preliminary discussions are taking place with the relevant stakeholders regarding a set aside scheme for salmon drift nets in the Waterford and Blackwater estuaries. As I stated in my reply to Question No. 244 of 3 October 2000, my Department has indicated that it is favourably disposed in principle towards such a pilot scheme. A voluntary scheme, if agreed, will be considered for matching Exchequer funding having regard to all relevant criteria and in consultation with the National Salmon Commission.
