Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I refer to the debate which was held this afternoon for two and a half hours. The key point of that debate was reference to legal advice. As the Minister who could preside over the effective extinction of wild Irish salmon, an historic symbol of our nation for thousands of years, is it not incumbent on him to follow the scientific advice and to make that difficult decision? I commend the Minister for taking a number of initiatives since we last met in respect of broadband and other issues.

Is the Minister definitively stating that the precautionary catch level, what could have been achieved during 2005, will be achieved in 2007? Why is it not happening this year?

Anglers and others with an interest in the environment have repeatedly asked me about the local schemes such as local set-aside and local buy-out. Is the Minister prepared to support those schemes? The response of the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, to my colleague, Deputy Ryan, a few weeks ago seemed to suggest that the total cost of buy-outs was based on the north-east of England, which is an incredible choice on which to base the calculations of cost. Clearly, local interests are prepared to contribute.

See this speech in context