Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 3

Written Answers. - Official Engagements.

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

I have participated in all three of the meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council in the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights sector since the first meeting on 9 February 2000.

Over the three meetings the council has discussed and agreed a range of matters related to its sectoral area. These matters have included funding and staffing arrangements for the Loughs Agency of the commission; a Loughs Agency corporate plan for the years 2000 to 2002; codes of conduct for the board members of the commission and the staff of the Loughs Agency; fishing regulations to be made by the commission; a draft equality scheme for the Loughs Agency.

The council also considered and noted reports on progress to date in the following areas: the bringing forward of fisheries legislation to provide for the development and licensing of aquaculture and for the exercise of a development function in relation to inland fisheries in the Foyle and Carlingford areas; the transfer of the lights functions of the Commissioners of Irish Lights to the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission; and the setting up of mechanisms for consultation with Foyle and Carlingford fisheries interests.