Results 12,521-12,540 of 13,214 for speaker:Pat Gallagher

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I have met with various fishing interests on a broad range of issues. The National Salmon Commission, however, is a statutory body established by the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999, which includes representatives of the commercial salmon fishing sector, the angling sector and other relevant stakeholders. The commission assists and advises me, as Minister of State with responsibility for the...

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: South Tipperary County Council has located outfall pipes, with diffusers, for the new Carrick-on-Suir waste water treatment plant in the River Suir. Representatives of snap net fishermen who operate on the river expressed the view to the Department that the location of the outfall diffusers is likely to cause disruption to their operations by creating a snagging or fouling hazard for their...

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I accept that the Deputy wants to give credit to his colleague but I would like to record the interest of my parliamentary colleague, Deputy Davern, on this issue. It is fortuitous that this meeting is taking place today. It was not designed that way——

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: ——but we will both take credit if the matter is resolved. My advice is that the effect could be described as minor but I will examine the issues raised by the Deputy and the effect he says this work is having on the snap net fisheries. On the legality of the work, I must be blunt and say that the county council should not have commenced outfall work on the foreshore until the foreshore...

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Even if we were here until 6 p.m., we would not have sufficient time to debate the matter.

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: We have discussed it on a number of occasions. The Deputy wants me to go through what has been done and the decisions which have been taken by the Government over a number of years on commercial fishing. I am aware of the Green Party campaign in which the Deputy was involved on foot of which the Department received 4,000 cards, though one would have been sufficient for me to read. Green Party...

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I presume Green Party representatives in Donegal adopt their party's policy. Despite what has been said by the Green Party, I have no baggage in this area and am completely objective. I am trying to find a balance between the interests of the commercial fishing sector and angling and tourism. We have made advances, including a reduction from 220 to 139, from 12 miles to six miles and the...

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Deputy was helpful.

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Measures taken include the four-day week. I am anxious to ensure we find a balance and that we have a sustainable fishery. I hope we will have more time to discuss the matter on another day.

Fisheries Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: After today's meeting, I will receive a report and communicate directly with Deputy Broughan. I will be anxious to achieve resolution. Deputy Eamon Ryan will never be in the position of membership of a broadly based party like Fianna Fáil which represents every parish in the country. It is inevitable that there will be divergent views within our party. I have had discussions with many...

Inland Fisheries. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: In December 2003, my predecessor appointed consultants to undertake a high level review of the inland fisheries sector. An independent steering group has also been established to oversee the work of the consultants. The aim of the review is to deliver a root and branch examination of the State's role and objectives in the inland fisheries sector. The consultants were required to evaluate the...

Inland Fisheries. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: As I said, the report of the consultants is with me. After discussions with the Minister we will submit the report to Government within the shortest possible period. Depending on the decision of Government, I expect to publish the report some weeks later. There should not be any inordinate delay. As for payment, I am not sure if payment has been made for the report. As we only have it for a...

Inland Fisheries. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: As far as consultation between the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, and me is concerned, we have had a general consideration of the issue. We will be looking at this matter over a number of weeks. I am going through the report. It is quite comprehensive and will take some time. On conclusion of that process I will discuss it with the Minister prior to sending a memo to Government. As far as the...

Harbour Authorities. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Given that this matter was reviewed recently, I have no plans to again review my Department's management of the five national fishery harbour centres or the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968. In 2000, the then Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Fahey, set up a review group to examine the management structures and future potential of the fishery harbour centres. The review...

Harbour Authorities. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: Effective administration at the harbour centres has been constrained for some time by the number of harbour master vacancies. The Deputy is aware of the situation in Killybegs. It is a human resource issue. Since Monday last the assistant harbour master has been acting as harbour master there. I was recently informed that the Public Appointments Service has established a panel of suitable...

Harbour Authorities. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: We have appointed a managing consultant and hope to have a report within a matter of months. I am anxious to make full use of the major investment by the State in Killybegs.

Fishing Fleet Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I am aware of concerns being expressed regarding the fishing activities of Spanish owned fishing vessels in the waters off the Irish coast and these concerns have been tabled on a number of occasions in the past. I have had inquiries made into this matter and the control authorities advise that these vessels are regularly checked, both at sea and on landing into Irish ports, as are all...

Fishing Fleet Protection. (5 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I am aware of the correspondence forwarded by the Deputy to my colleague, Deputy O'Dea. I take seriously the allegations about the length of gear. There is no restriction on the length, but the end of each net is legal while the centre is often illegal. There have also been allegations from one of the POs. From a control perspective, I am told it is difficult to detect the practices because...

Written Answers — Pension Provisions: Pension Provisions (4 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: The Department has been informed by Shannon Foynes Port Company, that the person concerned was a licensed pilot of the former pilotage authority for the Shannon Estuary. He is in receipt of pension benefits from a pilots' benefit fund established on foot of a by-law made under the Pilotage Act 1913 which continued in existence under section 41 of the Harbours Act 1996. Section 41 provides,...

Written Answers — Inland Fisheries: Inland Fisheries (4 May 2005)

Pat Gallagher: I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 240 together. The overall management of the national fish counter programme has been primarily the responsibility of the Marine Institute which has operated directly, or by sub-contracting where necessary, to maintain the objectives of the programme. The cost of installing the counter at Mocollop on the River Blackwater came to under €89,000. This...