James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me time to discuss an important issue, namely, the need for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to expedite a review of the by-laws that banned eel fishing in 2009 and left a reported 500 fishermen out of work. The review is not due until 2012, but the delay is untenable.

What happened to eel fishing thanks to the previous Government was an environmental scandal. It was also a legislative and economic scandal. A considerable question hangs over the fact that the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government exceeded his brief by introducing the ban on eel fishing through a by-law, No. CS 303, 2009, without seeking legislative enactment. Scientific advice such as that provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, and European Council Regulation No. 1100/2007 is no justification for the previous Minister going on an over the top and ill-advised save the European eel campaign, above and beyond requirements. He single-handedly introduced changes to the detriment of our native eel fishing industry. Properly handled, the eels, the rights of our eel fishermen and those with an interest in fishing as a leisure pursuit could have been protected. The bottom line is that both Councils recommended measures for a recovery plan and cutting down of eel fishing and not wholesale closing down of such activity. The directive from Europe was for a 40% reduction and not the 100% reduction introduced by the then Minister.

Rather than depriving fisherman of their livelihood, it would have served the previous Minister better had he turned his attention to the main reason the eel stock has been depleted. Unregulated electric generation turbines have destroyed much of our eel population, which is evident in the Shannon. For example, turbines at Ardnacrusha power station have been causing problems with eel and salmon since inception of the station in the 1930s. Turbines are the elephant in the room. Promises to protect migrating fish have not been kept and salmon have been wiped out on the Inny and the Shannon system and no money has been spent by the ESB to rectify this appalling situation.

In terms of the national economy, salmon fishing could be worth far more than the electricity generated at Ardnacrusha. Given the tourism potential, salmon fishing on the Shannon could generate €1 billion per annum. In what can only be referred to as a total farce, the catch and release programme results in 20 tonnes of fish being caught and released while 200 tonnes are destroyed in the turbines. In what defies belief, a local smokehouse and another in County Clare, were recently offered dead eel to smoke by the ESB. What is to happen to the boats, engines, nets and lines of those fishermen who depend on eel fishing for their livelihood? The by-law mentioned diversification but no money was provided for this or for compensation for fishermen. The loss of eel fishing has hit not only fishermen but associated businesses which supply outboard motors, boats, boat repairs, nets and so on. It must also be remembered that 100% of eels caught in Ireland are exported. While Ireland is forced to lose such revenue fishing is still taking place in other European countries, with France in particular exporting to Asia.

The by-law also stipulated that those disaffected by its provisions could appeal to the High Court. A case in this regard, which was to be heard next month, has been brought forward and has been before the courts for the past three days. I appeal to the Minister to bring forward a review of the over-zealous provisions made by his predecessor. I cannot over-emphasise the need for him to reconsider this matter and to provide an equitable solution for the preservation of the eel stock and a guarantee of employment for our eel fishermen.

I thank the Acting Chairman, Deputy Mathews for his indulgence and look forward to a positive reply from the Minister.

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