Written answers

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Fisheries Protection

11:00 pm

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status regarding the compensation or buy-out scheme for salmon fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12251/06]

Photo of John BrowneJohn Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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On Friday 24 March I announced my proposals for revisions to the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme for the 2006 season. In doing so I reaffirmed the Government's intention to introduce measures to fully align the management of the fishery with the scientific advice for 2007.

I recognise the considerable efforts made by the commercial fishing industry in recent years to build a sustainable fishery and that it has endured large cuts in the quotas available to it. I realise that these reductions have caused difficulty for the fishing industry and that full alignment with the scientific advice will likely compound these problems. For these reasons, I have decided to appoint an independent group to examine the implications of the new regulations for the commercial sector in 2007 and beyond and to make recommendations on the options available to address any financial hardship that may arise for individuals involved in commercial salmon fishing.

The group will comprise Padraic White, former chief executive of the Industrial Development Agency and author of the decommissioning report on the Irish whitefish fleet, Professor Tom Collins, chair of the national rural water monitoring committee, and John Malone, a former Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture and Food. The specific remit of the group will include: to advise the Government of the implications of fully aligning with the scientific advice and in particular the hardship that may arise for individuals in coastal communities; to determine the scale of financial loss which will be experienced as a result of measures imposed on the commercial salmon fishery; to make recommendations, if appropriate, to address any financial hardship experienced; to consider the extent to which those stakeholders, who would be the main economic beneficiaries of more salmon being returned to the rivers, should contribute to any scheme, whether in cash or in kind including improved tourist access and; to determine the implications for the angling sector.

The group will be expected to draw on the reports already generated through the National Salmon Commission, by the National Fisheries Managers Executive and the standing scientific committee and engage in appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders. The independent group will report to me within a five-month timeframe.

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