Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2017
571. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of persons that were convicted of fisheries or pollution offences under the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 between March 2015 and December 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25804/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) compile data on an annual basis in relation to cases that have been concluded within the relevant year. I am informed by IFI that the number of concluded cases in 2015 (full year) was 76 and the number in 2016 was 66.
In the time available it is not possible to disaggregate these cases by individual outcome (conviction or otherwise) or other factors such as the nature of the defendant's plea vis-a-vis the individual outcomes. However, I am advised that IFI generally initiate prosecutions in relation to more serious offences or in cases where a fine under a fixed penalty notice remains unpaid. IFI also advise that on average some 60% of cases involve a plea of guilty on the part of defendants giving rise to conviction.
I will ask IFI to examine each of the case files in order to provide information on the number of convictions to the Deputy as soon as possible.
