Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 6

Written Answers. - Inland Fisheries.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

250 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has received representations on behalf of the Slaney Net Fishermen's Association outlining concern at the possibility that part-time salmon fishermen may be disadvantaged under proposed revised amendments to the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order 1980; his views on whether persons who have fished for salmon part-time for many years should be exempt from a reduction in fishing entitlement contained in the proposed new controls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23895/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Department has recently received proposals from the National Salmon Commission aimed at amending the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order, which is the statutory mechanism for providing commercial salmon licences in Ireland. These proposals are currently being examined by my Department in order to assess their adequacy in terms of legislative and operational application.

I am aware that some commercial fishermen, including those in the Slaney Net Fishermen's Association, have expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed changes. I can assure the Deputy that these concerns will be taken into consideration when any decision regarding the adoption of the proposed amendments is being made.