Foreshore Licences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2006

Tuesday, 12 December 2006

Ceisteanna (307)

John Deasy

Ceist:

326 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that fishermen who had lost their licences before drift netting was legalised and who were unable to obtain a new licence due to the reduced numbers that were then issued, will not be covered by the compensation scheme being introduced; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that many of those in this position had been fishing for more than 30 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42414/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Browne)

The scheme recommended by the Independent Group in their report is aimed at alleviating hardship which is related to loss of income derived from salmon harvesting in recent years caused, in turn, by the cessation of mixed stock fishing in the interest of conservation. It is not a compensation scheme. The cessation of mixed stock fishing for wild salmon could not be said to cause hardship to people who ceased such fishing many years ago.