Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that with regard to the siting of it, but the disagreement is over the principle of it and the possible impact that sea lice have on returning fish stocks. That issue is there.

The Deputy spoke about some of the lovely initiatives, such as the ladies who are recovering from breast cancer. I was not aware of that, but it sounds like a wonderful initiative. Going out fishing takes a certain patience and I believe it would be therapeutic in that sense as well.

A number of Deputies commented on the cleaning of rivers. I understand that Inland Fisheries Ireland has never, and certainly not in the last year, refused a request to clean a river. The request has to come through the local authority or the OPW. It is subject to certain times of the year. Perhaps Inland Fisheries Ireland gets wrongly blamed on many occasions for this. If there are cases in which Inland Fisheries Ireland has refused a request, Deputies can bring them to my attention. There are a number of bodies involved. Inland Fisheries Ireland is a consultee on this. The OPW and the local authorities can apply. Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have a role as well. I appreciate that there may be a lot of red tape, but for any of the main drainage schemes in which Inland Fisheries Ireland has to be consulted, applications go through the local authorities and they have rules and regulations for how best to protect fish stocks.

All applications for river cleaning in Deputy Fitzmaurice's area were turned around and approved within two weeks. My officials engaged with the local authorities and advised and helped with paperwork. The relevant legislation is in place since 1949. It is not new paperwork that is strangling the system.

Deputy Fitzmaurice also commented about sewage pollution and he is right. That is the work that Irish Water is doing. There are, I think, still 43 locations where sewage is polluting waters, both inland and off our coast. It has a plan to carry out those works presently. Works are taking place in my own constituency in Oughterard. That is the last major scheme required on the Corrib, which is the water source for many areas in the west. There has been investment over the years in those areas. Irish Water is going through those plans. The Deputy spoke about the outflow rules. The EPA set those rules. I agree that it would make sense if the water was 99% or 99.9% cleaner than it is. Unfortunately, the EPA sets those rules. I do not have the details on that particular case.

With regard to the fines under the original Act of 1959, it is the advice of the Attorney General to bring these into line with the fines Act. They are being updated to be made relevant to today's world.

Deputy Mattie McGrath spoke about the appeals. I replied to him as I replied to Deputy Pringle. Whether it is theatrics or something else, I do not know why he always has to shout so loud. Anyway, he made some comments about Inland Fisheries Ireland staff.

Deputy O'Dowd, a former Minister of State with responsibility for the fisheries, spoke highly of the work IFI does. The latter has a responsibility to uphold the law and to protect our fisheries and natural resources. Unfortunately, there are cases where staff have suffered direct threats. There was a case last year in Donegal involving fisheries officers who were doing their job catching people who had nets out on the river at night. There was an altercation and a gun was pulled and put directly to the head of an IFI officer. That is totally unacceptable. It is not right that Deputy Mattie McGrath or any Deputy here would disparage the reputation of the staff of IFI or its board members, who are now appointed through the Public Appointments Service.

A number of Deputies referred to septic tanks and sewerage schemes. We all know that there are issues of pollution in sewerage schemes and septic tanks. IFI, the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities have a role in those schemes. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae stated that he cannot support the Bill. He mentioned septic tanks. We had an open day in February, which was a success. All Deputies were invited to meet national and local staff members of IFI. It was a success.

Deputy O'Dowd also mentioned eels. I am happy that the Deputy managed to get through to Irish Water about the issue relating to Castlebellingham.

It is very important to encourage young people. In that context, there is an initiative called Something Fishy. If people visit somethingfishy.ie, they will see that it is an educational programme which involves fisheries staff visiting schools.

Deputy Penrose spoke about the lake county, namely, County Westmeath. I know the potential that exists there. I am sure the Deputy's county will see investment under the national strategy for angling over the coming period if applications are made. Additional manpower is always an issue. We are always seeking extra resources. I was happy that there were some initiatives taken in respect of Cullion fish farm in County Westmeath. Thankfully, we were able to stop the threat of closure. The board of Inland Fisheries Ireland is considering the next steps. It has not come to me seeking any capital funding.

Deputy Wallace referred to pointless prosecutions in light of the fact that there are no fish left. Unfortunately, the River Slaney has been closed this year. I mentioned the drift net ban. Unfortunately, the impact of the fishing net ban was not as anticipated. The issue is that there was initially an increase in the level of return of salmon stocks for the first year but after that it did not happen as expected. The reasons for that are known. We talked about the catch and release policy. I have asked for a review of the catch and release policy for the 2018 season as a deterrent to possible poaching. It has been brought to my attention by people who operate on the Slaney. I am looking for that to be reviewed for the 2018 scheme. The Deputy spoke about issues of pollution. They are matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland, the local authorities and the EPA. We are continuing to monitor those matters.

I have covered many of the issues raised. On the previous occasion, Deputy Dooley spoke about issues involving Tulla and District Angling Club. We will follow up on that matter with Coillte. The Deputy also raised issues about access.

Deputy Niamh Smyth talked about investment. I have commented on the national strategy for angling.

I thank the Deputies who indicated their support for the Bill. I thank those in Fianna Fáil, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin who spoke in support of this legislation and the others who have spoken about the important work that IFI officers do. There is a requirement that the Bill be enacted speedily. I look forward to any amendment that will be made on Committee Stage.

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