Dáil debates

Thursday, 19 October 2006

4:00 pm

Photo of John BrowneJohn Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I received the report of the independent group to which the Deputy referred earlier this week and it is to be presented to Government for its consideration shortly. Until such time as the report is presented to Government, I am not in a position to comment on its recommendations or implementation. The question of publication of the report is a matter for the Government, the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, and myself.

Given the steps involved in putting in place an appropriate regime to take effect from January 2007, including, for example, public consultation about any change to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations, decisions about the report must be taken quickly.

As the Deputy is aware, I have undertaken to follow the recommendations of the standing scientific committee of the National Salmon Commission to fully align the management of the fishery with its scientific advice for 2007. I established the independent group, to which the Deputy referred, earlier this year to examine the implications for the commercial sector in 2007 and beyond arising from this alignment. The group was expected to make recommendations on the options available to address any financial hardship arising for individuals involved in commercial salmon fishing.

I expect that the National Salmon Commission, having considered the advice of the standing scientific committee and the fishery managers, and in the context of the report of the independent group, to bring forward in accordance with its terms of reference advice on measures for management of the wild salmon fishery in 2007. The National Salmon Commission is aware of the importance of my receiving its advice at the earliest possible date. I understand it has a number of meetings scheduled over the coming weeks. I expect to receive its advice in sufficient time for the publication of the necessary draft regulations governing the 2007 wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme. There will be a period for public consultation prior to enactment before the start of the 2007 season.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.