Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not know if this might be appropriate, but it would be useful if we could see the MOU on co-operation between the IFI and the OPW. We are going to have a more detailed discussion on fisheries in this committee in future and that MOU information would be useful to allow us to have as informed and useful a conversation as possible. I do not know if the MOU is a general agreement or specific to individual rivers, but it would be useful if information on the mechanisms of co-operation were to be available.

Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan's points about flood protection were well made. To return to the licensing aspect, as well as addressing the question of the appropriateness of flood protections, in instances where a local pressure is being applied for a discrete period of time, for example, through flood works and other activities, is there a potential to suspend the use of licences in such areas? I refer to a situation, for example, of a river in a particular area that may be under significant pressure, perhaps during a migration season. Is that a tool that could be used to ameliorate the situation so no extra pressure is experienced?

Will the Minister clarify whether the licences referred to in this context apply to just wild salmon and shellfish or are charges for aquaculture licences or finfish aquaculture licences included? Regarding the wider question of what kinds of mechanisms are employed, has there been public consultation in this regard? I ask this because the Minister mentioned drift and draft nets and the negative impacts they have had. Draft nets are still included in the Schedule to this Bill. What public consultation has there been around the use of draft nets, as well as concerning the use of other gear which have by-catch implications?