I have no plans to introduce a buyout scheme for commercial wild salmon netting fishermen. For some time now, the Government has ruled out a buyout as an effective means of achieving the restoration of salmon stocks and instead promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve this objective.
The Deputy will no doubt be aware that in May 2003, the Central Fisheries Board published the report An Economic-Socio-Economic Evaluation of Wild Salmon in Ireland prepared by Indecon International economic consultants. The report is an important evaluation as it provides an up-to-date estimation of the economic and socio-economic value of the commercial and recreational salmon fishing sectors in Ireland.
When the report was published, my ministerial colleague, Deputy John Browne, asked the Central Fisheries Board to obtain the views of the stakeholders with a view to identifying areas of consensus and report to him on completion of that consultation process. I understand from the board that this process is due to be completed shortly and the Minister of State will then consider all views on the findings in the context of determining the future policies and strategies for the long-term sustainable management of this natural resource.