Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the date by which it is intended that drift net salmon licences for 2005 will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4402/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Fisheries Acts, the regional fisheries boards are responsible for the issuing of commercial salmon fishing licences. As the Deputy will be aware, drift net salmon fishing around the coast is now confined to a two month period in June and July each year on a four day week basis.

I am advised by the regional fisheries boards that it is normal practice to issue drift net licences, upon payment of the appropriate licence fee by the successful applicants, a couple of weeks before the start of each season. I am assured by the boards that the drift net licences for 2005 will be issued, as in previous years, in good time before the start of the season which is due to commence on 1 June this year.