Written answers

Tuesday, 21 March 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Inland Fisheries

8:00 pm

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 379: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals the Government has to ensure that the people retain the right to fish inshore waters, rivers, lakes and canals here after the Government has sold the fishing rights of these inshore waters, rivers, lakes and canals to hotel owners, foreigners and multinationals who will be rewarded by the Government to control and develop these fisheries for their own use as either private or commercial fisheries, leading to a situation where only the rich and privileged may enjoy that which, up to now, was the right of every citizen. [10736/06]

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

There are no plans to sell fishing rights to inshore waters, rivers, lakes and canals or to privatise the inland fisheries resource. Rumours being circulated are inaccurate and mischievous. As the Deputy will be aware, proposals adopted by Government in relation to the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector were announced in November last. As the first step in the reform process, the Government has authorised the drafting of a Bill to establish a national inland fisheries authority, which will subsume the executive functions of the central and regional fisheries boards. The new authority will play a key role in the transformation of the sector.

It is my firm belief that the policy adopted will allow the sector to reach its full potential through more coherent and consistent policy making and resource allocation and use and will give the whole range of stakeholders the opportunity to be central to the development, promotion and protection of the inland fisheries resource.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.