Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 344: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if and when the regional fisheries boards are to be dissolved; when a central agency will be set up; and if some of the responsibilities of the fisheries boards are to be outsourced to other agencies. [30221/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources how he will ensure adequate fish stocks, fish habitats and water quality following the proposed centralisation of the fisheries boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30222/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 345 together.

I received the report of the first stage of the high-level review of the inland fisheries sector from the consultants concerned earlier this year and have considered its findings. It is my intention to bring this report to Government in the near future and to have it published as soon as possible thereafter. Until such time as the report is presented to Government, I am not in a position to comment on its recommendations or implementation.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of staff employed by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board at Tudenham, Mullingar; the grades and their annual remuneration; and if there are plans to re-deploy these personnel to the central agency. [30223/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board has 11 staff operating at its facility atTudenham in Mullingar, including an inspector, assistant inspector, two fishery officers, two foremen, four general operatives and a part-time administrative assistant. Remuneration in respect of the grades outlined is set out in the following table.

The deployment of staff is a matter for the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. As I have previously stated to the House, it is my intention to bring the report of the first stage of the high-level review of the inland fisheries sector to Government in the near future and to have it published as soon as possible thereafter. Until such time as the report is presented to Government, I am not in a position to comment on its recommendations or implementation.