Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

In regard to Deputy Perry's question, I met representatives of all the regional boards shortly after my appointment and I met the chief executive and the manager of the Central Fisheries Board on a number of occasions. I am anxious to assist them because I am cognisant that small investments could be beneficial in areas where there is no alternative source of employment.

In regard to the overall position, the Deputy will be aware that my predecessor established a review of our fisheries. We expect a report from Farrell Grant Sparks, the consultants commissioned, in the near future. It will deal with the overall position. I do not want to second guess what they may suggest in that review. As soon as it is available, a copy will be available to the spokespersons and subsequently to the House.

I did not read Joey Murrin's article in one of today's newspapers, but he would be the first to tell Deputy Broughan that over the years we have not always sung from the same hymn sheet. I have committed to there being no buyout in the lifetime of the Government. The Deputy asked where I got my figures. I have noted costings in this area in respect of the north-east coast of England. I need to have some benchmark. The cost of such a proposal would range between €70 million and €90 million. However, I have to ask if that type of funding was available whether it should invested in a buyout. Perhaps there are other ways such funding could be invested in the fishing industry or in the inland fisheries. The popular option might be to proceed with such a proposal, but the popular option is not always the right one. I have to do what is in the best interests of the industry and of the country.

With regard to stock levels in the River Boyne and the River Liffey, I took the opportunity not more than two weeks ago to meet representatives of the east coast fisheries. While I am aware of their concerns, I draw to the attention of the House that when we talk about the net off the west coast it does not stretch from Donegal to the east coast of the United States. Members will recall that previously the limits were reduced from 12 miles to six miles, which was a major contribution. In addition, we have a four-day week over two months, which gives 30 weeks, and we have all daylight fishing.

We should not overlook other factors that pose a threat to fish swimming in the middle of the Atlantic. There is the question of their mortality and the threat to them posed by seals, an issue on which we have to bite the bullet. I am told that the number of salmon killed by seals is much greater than the total allowable catch for the country. Global warming is also a factor. It is from that basis that we should start to deal with this issue.

I will work with the industry with a view to ensuring we continue to have a viable industry and that there will be protection, conservation and exploitation of this resource in a sustainable manner in the best interests of those who depend on commercial salmon fishing for their income and in the best interests of tourism. I am the first to acknowledge the importance of angling and of salmon to the tourism industry. Even though the stock numbers are dropping, that is not pertinent only to Ireland, it is a factor across other countries in Europe.

See this speech in context