Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012
196 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm if a compensation fund will be established to compensate eel fishermen who’s licences were decommissioned. [22558/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2007 EU Eel regulation (1100/2007), drafted in response to the endangered status of the European Eel, required EU States, including Ireland, to develop Eel Management Plans. Based on the scientific facts available, a recommendation of this plan was that Ireland closes both the commercial and recreational Eel fisheries in 2008. The then Central and Regional Fisheries Boards engaged with the eel fishermen representatives to investigate possible diversification schemes; however, no specific funding was identified for diversification.
I understand that a number of former eel fishermen have been contracted by the ESB to undertake Trap and Transport operations to mitigate the impact of hydropower schemes as part of the eel management plan. There is no property right attaching to public eel licences and consequently the issue of compensation is not relevant or appropriate, given that the closure of the fishery is being applied for conservation reasons under the Fisheries Acts. Given that context, I am sure the Deputy will also appreciate that in the current economic climate the Government does not have funds available to provide for compensation payments.
