Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I agree with most speakers who contributed to the debate on the motion that it is regrettable there will be a further postponement of the elections to these boards. This might be the third year for which the reorganisation process has lingered. There is an understanding that reorganisation of the sector is necessary, that it is happening and that it is progressing towards finality.

Reorganisation of the sector is needed on several grounds. There is a plethora of regional based bodies in all areas of activity, which are part of the public sector reform programme. Very few of the boundaries correspond with each other. In County Cork there are two regional fisheries boards, the southern fisheries board covering the northern part of the county and the south-western fisheries board covering the rest of the county. Having regard to how health care is administered and how the Garda Síochána functions, there is a series of overlapping regional boundaries for several areas of State activities. That is one of the main reasons we should examine how the fisheries boards, as only one of those areas of activity, should be organised.

In finalising the reorganisation process, it is necessary to ensure there is a degree of consistency. In dealing with the fisheries boards in County Cork, which cover three major rivers, the Blackwater, the Bandon and the Lee, different positions are often taken regarding fish conservation and capital works associated with those rivers. It is important that whoever is responsible for administering inland fisheries does so consistently to allow them to operate effectively. Everyone would agree that this has been an ongoing problem in the manner in which we administer inland fisheries.

However, the concept of democracy is important at regional fisheries level. The postponement of elections to the boards has resulted in many vacancies remaining unfilled for a long period. I am particularly mindful of angling representatives on some of the fisheries boards, who are among the most important members in terms of how these boards function because they allow for the consumer's view on how our inland fisheries should be organised. While there is impatience and even intolerance about the process, there is a growing understanding that we are reaching the end of it.

However, I share the sentiments expressed by other speakers that a similar motion cannot come before the House next year. I am confident that such a motion will not come before us. I would not go as far as other speakers in saying that a deadline of three or six months should be set. It should be enough that we recognise that we are coming towards the end of the process on the reorganisation of inland fisheries and we should push that process along. To be arbitrary and set a date would not help the process.

It is important that all of us, in contributing to this motion, recognise that there is need for reorganisation, accept that it is happening and welcome it when it is finalised. I am confident this is — it must be — the last of such debates before either House of Oireachtas.