Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not dispute the scientific evidence on declining stocks of eels. The evidence indicates that stocks continued to decline in 2012. What is also beyond dispute, however, is that eel fishermen have lost their livelihood by virtue of a decision taken by the Government and the EU in 2009. The price for glass eels internationally ranges between €575 and €730 per kilogram, with approximately 3,000 glass eels per kilogram. In France and Spain the glass eel is described as blue gold. The island of Ireland would require just eight to ten tonnes of glass eels to restock its waters. I remind the Minister of State that when the Shannon fisheries were closed in 1968, fishermen received compensation. There is also EU precedent for compensating eel fishermen. I ask him to reconsider the question of compensating eel fishermen. Their income has gone because of the regulations introduced by this Government and the EU. Will he consider putting in the eight to ten tonnes of glass eels needed to restock Irish waters?

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