Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I propose to speak on amendments Nos. 9 and 10. The subsection in question concerns the functions of IFI to carry out research or experimental work considered necessary for the performance of its functions. As indicated on Committee Stage, most of the work undertaken by central fisheries boards on initiatives under the European Union water frameworks directive, the habitats directive and other regulations requires reports which are published on an annual basis. Furthermore, research summaries have been published annually by the Central Fisheries Board on its website in recent years. I see no reason for this practice to change with the move to the new structures. In fact, I encourage as much open publication of information as possible.

However, the arguments made by Deputy Coveney during the debate on Committee Stage have been taken on board. While I cannot impose a blanket rule on publication, I am willing to make provision for the publication of the results of research. One must be cognisant of the fact that there may be some instances, which is the reason there is different wording, where it may not be appropriate or necessary to public the results of research, for example, instances where doing so would expose vulnerable fish populations or where analysis may be partial or misleading. An example could be publication of research which showed an approach to a weir or another point on a river which has a huge blockage in which fish are backing up and a large population exists. It would be very useful information for poachers to then go in and take them out. Instances like that exist, where in is not in the public interest to have information in the public domain as it might lead to the stock being wiped out in a short period.

Accordingly, I propose to make provisions in the Bill whereby the results of research undertaken are published within six months after they have been fully completed, with the proviso that IFI shall not publish results if it is not in the public interest to do so. I hope the Deputy will find the amendment satisfactory and understand that the public interest is the only reason some information is not being provided.

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