Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
244. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of commission paid to fishing licence distributors; if he will review these payments and percentages considering the distributors are responsible for banking and bookkeeping and have not been compensated for the collection of the extra stamp duty attached to each licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19039/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been no increase in the salmon rod licence duty which has remained unchanged since 2012. The rod licence duty comprises a conservation element (introduced in 2007) which is 50% of the total duty and is ring-fenced for salmon and sea trout conservation works and a further 50% which is the licence payment in respect of which Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) pay commission at a rate of 10%. Permit fees have fluctuated slightly over the period but the percentage commission has been maintained at 5%. Therefore as prices fluctuate the commission percentage paid remains the same.
The decision to offer credit and debit card payment facilities to customers is a matter for each business owner. IFI introduced the online sale and delivery of licences during 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions as many distributors were not in a position to operate.
