Vol. 546 No. 3
85 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of salmon licences issued; the procedure for issuing such licences; the number he plans to issue in the next couple of months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31726/01]
Under the Fisheries Acts the regional fisheries boards have responsibility for the issue of salmon fishing licences. The legislation provides that where an application is made for a salmon rod licence to a regional board such licence shall be issued by the board.
The issue by the regional boards of commercial salmon fishing licences is regulated by the Control of Fishing for Salmon Orders, 1980 to 1996. The orders prescribe: the classes of persons to whom there may be issued licences and the kind of fishing engines in respect of which such licences may be issued; the maximum number of licences which may be issued in any year by a board for a fishery district or other place; the time and manner of application for such licences; and the manner in which such licences shall be allocated in any case where the number of valid applications for licences exceeds the maximum number prescribed.
My Department is requesting the Central Fisheries Board to provide the Deputy with the number of licences issued by the regional boards in 2001.
At present my Department together with the fisheries boards and the national salmon commission is conducting a comprehensive review of the provisions of the Control of Fishing for Salmon Orders in the light of my objective to achieve meaningful reductions in salmon catches involving all sectors in 2002.
