John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the recent study by the Royal Irish Academy, Biology and the Environment: Threatened Irish Freshwater Fishes; and if he plans to draft a future programme to protect valuable native Irish species (details supplied). [23761/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On 15 June 2005, I was pleased to launch on behalf of the Royal Irish Academy and the Irish Char Conservation Group its publication on Threatened Irish Freshwater Fishes. This publication makes a very valuable contribution to our knowledge of some of Ireland's rare native species which are an important and unique aspect of our natural heritage. The publication brings together important information as to what these rare fish species are, their distribution and status as well as recommendations for their future conservation.

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the protection and conservation of freshwater fish stocks rests with the central and regional fisheries boards. I understand that measures to protect the species referred to in the Royal Irish Academy's publication are being taken by the fisheries boards in the context of the European Union's water framework directive. In this regard, I am advised by the Central Fisheries Board that the status of smelt, shads and lamprey populations is currently being investigated by it and the regional fisheries boards as part of the national fisheries research programme and in specific locations on behalf of the national parks and wildlife service and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

I am sure that the knowledge shared through the publication referred to by the Deputy will assist the fisheries boards meaningfully in their task of conserving and protecting these species. The central and regional fisheries boards are co-operating closely with other Departments and agencies in rolling out the water framework agenda. I am assured by the fisheries boards that for their part they will make every effort to ensure that, under this agenda, sufficient priority and focus will be placed on addressing the pressures on these particular species.