Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2007
570 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of fishing fines imposed in 2007 in each of the fishery board areas; the nature of the offence in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34935/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 11 of the 1980 Consolidated Fisheries Act, as amended, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of inland fisheries stocks rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. I have no role in regard to the imposition of fines and I have no information regarding individual cases.
571 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent of law breaking in regard to salmon fishing in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34936/07]
Amharc ar fhreagra572 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to minimise law breaking in regard to salmon fishing in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34937/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 572 together.
Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of inland fisheries stocks rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. A considerable proportion of fisheries boards' resources and personnel time is devoted to the protection of fish stocks. I have not been made aware of any increase in the extent of law breaking as regards salmon fishing in 2007.
Additional funding will be provided to the Regional Fisheries Boards in 2008, as in 2007, to allow enhanced enforcement and protection of salmon stocks.
