Ms Suzanne Campion:

Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív asked questions about Leader grants, funding and using a ground up approach. Inland Fisheries Ireland has been working with Leader companies all over the country and been successful in helping small groups and businesses to secure some Leader funding. As members will be aware, the Leader window is pretty much shut as the applications in hand are being assessed. Concerns have arisen about transferring Leader funding to socioeconomic committees in county councils. Some time ago Inland Fisheries Ireland made a proposal to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government that we be permitted to be a lead promoter or project promoter. We did so because we found that smaller angling clubs, chartered skippers and so forth did not always have the wherewithal either to fund a project or put one together. Inland Fisheries Ireland cannot obtain Leader funding. While we do not want funds for the organisation, we want stakeholders to secure funding and have a policy of facilitating them in doing so. We have provided what are known as "How-To" guides for the Leader programme and assist and design projects where we have resources to do so. Unfortunately, our resources are not evenly spread around the country. However, in areas where we have resources, we are working with Leader companies at a level close to project design.

The South Kerry Development Company is working with Kerry County Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland to develop the GoKerry.com angling website which will provide a one stop shop of game fisheries, accommodation providers and so forth that will enable people to book a holiday, guide, accommodation and fishing licences. Inland Fisheries Ireland has also facilitated the development of the Donegal Angling Tourism Alliance, a group of chartered skippers and game fisheries which also hopes to establish a one stop shop website offering a combined product to make it easier for anglers to visit.

The marine and countryside guides programme is run by Fáilte Ireland with our support. Its key role is to get people involved in the marine and countryside sector to become guides and offer a tourism service to anglers or others who want to participate in marine and countryside activities. It allows people to change roles, for example, to move from commercial fishing to guiding. Local knowledge is best in fisheries. A number of providers have entered from overseas, have learned the Irish way and know where the best fishing is. They practise catch and release and bring many tourists to the country through different companies. They live in Ireland and do a fantastic job in promoting the country to our tourist friends elsewhere in Europe. They are always crying out for guides and gillies with local knowledge. Many people could do this work, but they need specific training which is the issue we are trying to address.