Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like also to acknowledge the presence of the British ambassador in the Chamber. I express my condolences as well to the Royal Family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. I congratulate King Charles III and wish him well.

I would also like to be associated with the other expressions of sympathy to the families that have been tragically lost over the past week. We had one in County Mayo as well. It was a very sad week for this country.

I would like to ask for debate on inland fisheries. We should invite the Minister with responsibility, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to the House as a matter of urgency. We do not have a junior Minister for fisheries or inland fisheries, so the full responsibility is with the Minister. I received information that things are not all what the are supposed to be in relation to Inland Fisheries Ireland and there are issues relating to the board. The chairman of the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland has resigned and there are problems with staff and employment. We should have an urgent debate on all those issues in the very near future.

Recently, Inland Fisheries Ireland published a report on the western lakes and plans for them. However, not all of the lakes are included. For example, the Castlebar lakes in my own area do not seem to be included. We have had weed cut every year on those lakes. So far this year, the weed on those lakes is overgrown. We have had that weed cut every year, but there does not seem to have been any action this year in on weed cutting on those particular lakes.

I would be delighted if the Leader could arrange a debate on inland fisheries as a matter of urgency.