Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House for this important debate. As Senator Bradford stated, action needs to be taken with regard to salmon stocks. I listened to most of this debate. I was interested in the contribution of most speakers, particularly that of Senator Dardis, who made an impressive contribution. Senator Daly is correct to state that the removal of nets from river catchment areas is important and should be done immediately.

I support our party position in regard to the voluntary buyout and set-aside option. Coming from a county which offers sea angling, drift netting and has some of the greatest fishing rivers and lakes in Europe, I have seen at first hand the damage to which Senator Dardis, who is a keen angler, referred.

It is undoubtedly the case that anglers are no longer coming to Ireland. In some cases, Irish anglers are travelling to other countries in Europe and elsewhere to have the great pleasure of catching a salmon on a rod. This is disgraceful when one considers the river, lake and sea fishing available here.

Having spoken to hoteliers and restauranteurs recently, it is clear wild salmon is almost a thing of the past. Restaurants can now only buy wild salmon from drift net fishermen. If drift net fishing finishes, no wild salmon will be available because the purchase of rod-caught salmon is not allowed. The Minister of State should examine this issue. We need increased enforcement. Given proper enforcement, it might be possible for restaurants to buy fish from anglers who have caught salmon on a rod. Otherwise, we will never again have wild salmon on menus.

The issue of access to lakes is important. In my county, access is very poor and it is hard to understand how boats get onto rivers or lakes — Lough Conn and Lough Cullin in particular. Grants should be made available through local authorities, the fisheries boards or the board of works. So many agencies and vested interests are involved, it is hard to know who is responsible for access to rivers and lakes, a matter which must be examined.

There is also the issue of keeping lake levels at a certain point during the summer by temporarily removing weirs. I live close to the Castlebar lake and every year there is a constant hassle about putting the weir in place and taking it out even though it is not a large job for the local authority or fisheries board responsible. All Members agree action must be taken on salmon drift netting. The Fine Gael Party has argued for a voluntary buyout and set-aside scheme.