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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - ESB Fishery Obligations.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

108 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the function of the board of the ESB and the structure of accountability under the terms of Shannon Fisheries Acts in relation to the fishery and their obligations to show annual breakdowns of operating costs. [9749/02]

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

114 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the ESB eel survey has been completed; his plans to conserve eel stocks in the Shannon river catchment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9921/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 114 together.

Corporate governance of the Electricity Supply Board is primarily a matter for the Minister for Public Enterprise and ownership of the Shannon fisheries is vested in the board under statute.

Under the Shannon Fisheries Acts the board has the duty of managing, conducting and preserving the Shannon fisheries, subject and without prejudice to, the primary function of maintaining, working and developing the Shannon hydro-electric works. Under the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1961, the proceedings of the board in relation to the fisheries and fishing rights vested in the board is, without prejudice to the performance or exercise by the board of its duties, powers and functions, subject to my general supervision. The 1961 Act also provides that the board shall furnish to me an annual report, statistics, returns and accounts in relation to fisheries.

I have today asked the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board to report to me urgently in regard to how my supervisory functions of the Shannon fisheries under the 1961 Act and the statutory responsibilities of the ESB can be specified and agreed with a view to enhancing and preserving those fisheries through the Shannon Board and the ESB working together. On receipt of that report I will communicate further with the Deputy.
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