Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Pringle's point was well made. In 2010, when the amalgamation of the eight separate boards took place, this matter was not noticed. We are where we are and the Minister of State has given an explanation. The important thing is that the legislation moves on. The existing gap is not in anyone's interest, be they angling clubs, tourism interests or environmentalists. It is not in anyone's interest to allow a situation to continue where people destroy fish stocks and cause harm to the rivers that affects local bailiffs and local fishing clubs. This matter has caused problems throughout the country. We must push on with legislation in the interests of this resource and local communities.

Deputy Pringle's point was well made. It is now 2017 and seven years have elapsed. I was curious to learn the sequence of events that had led to this situation. We have the legislation in front of us and we should move it on.