John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

It is obvious the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, can answer questions about the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. A number of initiatives have been undertaken in recent times with a view to increasing participation in angling tourism. I accept that there has been a reduction in the number of anglers coming to this country from overseas. A substantial number of such tourists used to come in the late 1990s, but that number halved in the following six or seven years. The Government has taken steps in recent times to examine whether that trend can be reversed. The House is aware of the measures upon which we have embarked. We will see an increase in the number of angling tourists in the future. The central and regional fisheries boards are aware of the need to replenish the rivers.

See this speech in context