Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would be very happy to ensure a formal response is made. The clarity is in the figures. In terms of opening a river for catch-and-keep fishing, the Flurry river is at 23% of its conservation limit, which is well below the required level. Even if only every second fish was being counted, the level would only be at 46%, which is not even half the level required to catch and keep fish. We must deal with the facts. I would be very happy to meet with the Deputies concerned and to arrange for the provision of any data they or the fishermen have not received.

In summary, 32 fisheries in this country operate on a catch-and-release basis and to unilaterally open the four rivers in the Drogheda and Dundalk districts to harvesting would set a dangerous precedent that would ultimately compromise the entire scientific process to which the Government agreed to commit in 2006. In short, the rivers are open for catch-and-release angling and therefore there are angling opportunities for all anglers. A small minority believe they should be able to take fish and they do not wish to engage in the conservation-focused practice of releasing fish. I accept the majority of people are not in that category. I would be happy to meet the fishermen in question. I meet fishermen around the country all the time. To be honest, I am surprised the Deputies tabled this Topical Issue debate instead of asking to meet with me so that I could go through all the facts rather than giving them in this public place.

I would do so at any time, but I would prefer to meet the Deputies to go through the details by river, by visit or however they want. I will get the facts for them.

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