Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

In December 2003, my predecessor appointed consultants to undertake a high level review of the inland fisheries sector. An independent steering group has also been established to oversee the work of the consultants.

The aim of the review is to deliver a root and branch examination of the State's role and objectives in the inland fisheries sector. The consultants were required to evaluate the adequacy of the current model for the governance of the inland fisheries sector; to define the current relationship between the Government, the Departments and the inland fisheries sector and suggest new more effective models; and to recommend a structure that would contribute to the optimum development of the inland fisheries resource.

While I appreciate that previous indications were that I expected to publish the report of this high level review before now, I am sure the Deputy will nevertheless agree that, given the size and complexity of the task assigned to them, it was important that the consultants appointed to undertake this review be allowed the necessary time to deliver a report which fully and comprehensively addressed all the issues.

I can confirm that I have recently received the report from the consultants and I am currently considering its findings. After consultation with the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, it is my intention to bring this report to Government in the near future and to have it published as soon as possible thereafter. In the meantime, I fully recognise there are concerns within the fisheries boards, both at board level and among certain staff, at the delay in publishing this report. I am nevertheless assured by the management of the central and regional fisheries boards that no significant difficulties have arisen as a result of this delay and that the boards continue with their day-to-day operations in accordance with their current business plans.

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