Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
84 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there will be a buy-out of salmon drift net licences during the lifetime of the Government; if he has met the National Salmon Commission recently to discuss the matter; the nature and content of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31271/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has consistently ruled out 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. Moreover, no convincing case has been advanced as to the public good that would be acquired by the State in the context of a publicly funded buyout nor why stakeholders benefiting from increased numbers of salmon entering the rivers should not contribute in whole or in part towards achieving that increase.
As a result, I have no plans to introduce proposals to purchase commercial salmon fishing licences. I would be prepared, however, to keep the matter under review and would be open to any relevant proposals whereby stakeholders benefiting from any reduction in commercial catch might fund in whole or in part any compensation arising.
Since becoming Minister with responsibility for the Marine, I have not yet had the opportunity to meet the National Salmon Commission. I am advised by the chairman that the commission is reviewing the operation of the wild salmon tagging scheme in 2004 and that he does not expect the commission to finalise its recommendations, including the proposed commercial catch quotas, for the operation of the scheme in 2005 until sometime in early January next. It is my intention to meet the National Salmon Commission and receive its advice at that time.
