I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 505 together.
In the first instance, I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 264 on 22 Feabhra 2000 and to previous Questions on this matter, which point out that this is a day-to-day operational matter for Údarás na Gaeltachta.
In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, however, I have made further enquiries with Údarás na Gaeltachta and I understand that the fishery referred to by the Deputy was bought by Údarás in 1992 for the benefit of the local Gaeltacht area. Subsequently, Údarás granted a 35 year licence, with effect from 1 April 1993, to Comhlucht Iascaireachta Shliabh a' Liag Teo (CISLT), a company which was formed by a local anglers' society to manage the fishery. I am also informed that there was a disagreement between CISLT and a number of local fishermen from the outset and that extensive efforts to reach an agreement over the years, including the appointment of a mediator, were unsuccessful.
As the Deputy is aware, the Northern Regional Fisheries Board is charged with ensuring the observance of the Fishery Acts, Bye-Laws and Orders in the region. The fishery is also governed by the licence granted by Údarás na Gaeltachta to CISLT and by fishing licences issued to individuals by CISLT.
