Inland Fisheries

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023

Tuesday, 21 February 2023

Ceisteanna (149)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

149. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the inland fisheries division within his Department contracted a private sector company (details supplied) to conduct appropriate assessment screenings under the EU Habitats Directive on the 2022 Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Regulations, given that Inland Fisheries Ireland is the responsible statutory body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8229/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

While the Regulations referred to are drafted in the Department, supporting technical and scientific inputs are provided via Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) as statutory advisers to me as Minister and the Inland Fisheries Division of the Department.

It is established practice in respect of such regulations that part of this technical input is for IFI to procure an independent appropriate assessment screening. IFI, and not the Inland Fisheries Division of the Department, engaged the company referred to by the Deputy for this purpose.