Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I thank Senators who contributed for the opinions they expressed. I assure the Seanad that the Government attaches the greatest importance to the development of inland fisheries and it is intended the motion before us will be the last time any such extension would apply. The difference between this extension and the previous ones is that in this case we have a clear path and timeline for a resolution as to the new structures that will be put in place in the inland fisheries sector. That will be the establishment of a single national authority with a regional structure but not boards at regional level, which will still be representative in nature as the future fisheries representation body, which will provide feedback for various interests.

When we came into government, I considered it appropriate to take some of the work that had been done by the chairman of the Central Fisheries Board and examine what should be the nature and structure of the boards. That process was in train. It was right to engage with the chairpersons of the existing authorities. An extensive process was undertaken in the past year, not only with the fisheries boards but with each of the angling and other organisations where the various outcomes were discussed at a series of meetings. That was superseded by the Government's thinking on the rationalisation of State boards, the need for a reduction in that area and the work that was done during the summer. The Government made a clear commitment to rationalise a number of State boards and agencies across various sectors, including this one.

The outcome was the proposed structure we have clearly outlined. It takes time to prepare legislation because it is complex, lengthy and detailed and we must get it right. I am determined we will do that in the first half of next year when we will create an alternative structure that will be in place by the middle of next summer. In a sense, that pre-empts the possibility of a continuation of the existing boards. That is something to which I am committed. The outcome will result in a better structure for the inland fisheries area and all those involved in it, anglers, those interested in rivers and wildlife and those working within the sector. We have a skill to resource in the existing regional boards.

I assure Senator O'Reilly that the resources available in the area are a fraction of what was available in some of the other agencies to which he referred. I do not believe any of the spending that was evident there has, or could have, occurred in the fisheries sector simply because the budgets are so tight. If we get the structures in the fisheries sector right we will have an opportunity to increase the budgets and spend the money we all want to see spent on protecting our valuable inland rivers. I am committed to that, as is the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power. I will give it my single-minded attention. Agreement of the motion would facilitate a continuation of the existing boards for six months while we await the creation of a different structure, one that is more streamlined and that will work better.