Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 November 2008
558 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has put in place in relation to the seven regional chief executive officers and their extensive offices and staff in view of the fact that the seven regional fisheries boards and the Central Fisheries Board are being subsumed into one new fisheries authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39709/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have established a small group chaired by the Department with representation on behalf of the existing Central and Regional Fisheries Board to guide the implementation of the restructuring of the sector as announced on Budget Day. The remit of the group includes consideration of arrangements to be put in place for the existing staff members. As I have previously stated, the new body will be organised with a strong regional presence.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I do not wish to pre-empt the work of the implementation group at this stage. In any event, I can confirm that the terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards will not be any less favourable than those currently obtaining.
