John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

A commitment was given by the previous Minister of State to accept the advice by 2007. That is still on the table. I received advice from the fishery mangers and scientific advice. It is quite normal, as was the case when I was previously in the Department, that the National Salmon Commission is asked to make recommendations. Unfortunately, when the commission met last week agreement was not reached between all of the parties. The chairman has called another meeting for next week. I hope, and I appeal to both sides, that a recommendation is made as quickly as possible. I will publish it in good time for all of the stakeholders to comment. We will then make a decision for fishing in 2006. I hope the commission makes a decision on this issue next week.

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