James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My question is about conversation as well, particularly around salmon stocks but also on wider stocks. There was a peak internationally, and in Ireland, in the 1970s and the 1980s of salmon catches by rod, which, unfortunately, declined exponentially in the past decade. I am told there has been some recovery. I am aware that a number of measures were taken here, including fishing bans, etc. At the end of December 2016, a number of notices were issued and in some cases rivers reopened but others were closed as part of an attempt to manage stocks, primarily of salmon but also presumably of sea trout. I would be very interested in the Minister of State''s views on how effective those measures have been and how we are doing in general in that sector. I am aware Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, remains concerned. I suppose it is its job to be concerned, but I would share its concern. I do not necessarily believe we are doing anything wrong. It is a huge global challenge and it is imperative that we get it right. I would be interested to hear from the Minister of State where we are in that regard.