Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
700 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has commissioned a report on inland fisheries in the State; if the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22182/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of last year, I appointed consultants to undertake a high level review of the inland fisheries sector in Ireland. The consortium of consultants is led by Farrell Grant Sparks Consulting and comprises the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis, NUI, Maynooth.
The review will deliver a root and branch examination of the State's role and objectives in the inland fisheries sector. The consultants are required to evaluate the adequacy of the current model for the governance of the inland fisheries sector; to define the current relationship between the Government, the Department(s) and the inland fisheries sector and suggest new and more effective models; and to recommend a structure which will contribute to the optimum development of the inland fisheries resource in Ireland.
I am advised by the independent steering group, which I established to oversee the work of the consultants, that the complex review is not complete and the consultants are not yet in a position to forward their report on the first stage of the exercise.
While I appreciate that previous indications were that I expected to receive this report earlier this year, I am sure that the Deputy will nevertheless agree that, given the size and complexity of the task assigned to them, it was important that the consultants be allowed the necessary time to deliver a report which fully and comprehensively addresses all the issues. I have asked the steering group to ensure however that there is no undue delay in the process.
