Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The main issue raised by Deputy Moynihan relates to the rationalisation of premises. As members are aware, there has been a great deal of rationalisation here in recent times. Nine boards have become a single board, there has been considerable restructuring and the organisation is extracting itself from expensive rental accommodation in north Dublin. A new headquarters has been acquired and it is intended the move will take place this year. Considerable control has been exercised in terms of staffing. There have also been advances in technology in terms of the capacity of the Inland Fisheries Organisation to use new technologies, particularly remote sensing on waterways. All of this has an impact in terms of man-hours and staffing.

In regard to the question raised by Deputy Harrington, I do not have that information with me, but I will forward the information to him. As the Deputy probably knows well, coming from the constituency he does, prosecutions are a last resort. For a variety of reasons, it is not practical to shoot first and ask questions afterwards in this area. A great deal of work has gone into trying to encourage more responsible fishing locally and the staff are very good and have worked assiduously at doing this. On the number of prosecutions that have taken place, I will supply that information to the Deputy by way of a letter.