Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 108 together.

Following the 2009 budget day announcement on 14 October 2008 on the rationalisation of State agencies, the Government has now formally approved proposals for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector, which include the creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority to be known as inland fisheries Ireland. This authority will replace the existing central and seven regional fisheries boards. Given the nature of its work the new authority will of course continue to have a strong regional presence.

A restructuring implementation group, which includes representatives of the central and regional fisheries boards, has been established and is developing the key features and structures of the model. Primary legislation is required to bring about this restructuring and in this regard a draft heads of Bill has recently been approved by Government. It is expected that the legislation will be published in late summer, be progressed through the Oireachtas later this year and that the new authority will be in place before the end of 2009.

The Department has recently circulated, through the fisheries boards, details of the draft heads of Bill and proposals for the restructuring of the sector to board members, management and staff of the central and regional fisheries boards and to other interested stakeholders. This information is also available on the Department's website. There has been no response to date to the documents circulated.

I am confident that the restructuring will result in an organisation better equipped to serve the needs of the inland fisheries sector.

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