Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 349: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if drift netting licence holders will be compensated in the event that drift netting is to be discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10021/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has, since 2002, promoted the application of quotas on commercial fishing and bag limits on angling to achieve catch reductions as the best instrument available to achieve the objective of restoration of salmon stocks.

It is clear to me that future policy must be designed to ensure the survival of the species, while balancing the interests of various stakeholders in relation to the quantum of catch that appears to be possible within the independent scientific advice and taking account of the detail of that advice in relation to location and types of fishing.

I am advised that there is no legal requirement to introduce any compensation scheme in the event of a curtailment of fishing effort on conservation grounds in accordance with the Fisheries Acts. In that context, expectations of high levels of monetary compensation are unrealistic. Similarly, and in consideration of equity in the matter, if there was some form of compensation for hardship cases in the event of curtailment of fishing effort on conservation grounds, some meaningful contribution could be expected from the economic beneficiaries of a reduction in commercial fishing whether that is delivered in cash or in kind.

The Deputy will be aware of the Oireachtas joint committee's acknowledgement that any compensatory schemes should largely be funded by those stakeholders who would be the main economic beneficiaries of more salmon being free to return to the rivers. I also draw the Deputy's attention to the committee's comment that "public moneys spent must have, as a primary aim, ensuring the survival of the salmon species and that this precept must be regarded as more important than any economic gain to any sector that may accrue".