Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in the interests of ensuring the sustainability of quality fish stocks in lakes and watercourses here, he will introduce a national by-law to prohibit the killing of coarse fish, enshrining the policy of catch and release, traditionally favoured by Irish and UK anglers; if the relevant Fisheries Acts and statutory instruments will be revised to provide additional deterrents and adequate means of prosecution; if a national policy geared towards education and increasing awareness with partnership based fisheries enforcement will be adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14061/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Fisheries Acts, the fisheries boards are primarily responsible for the protection, conservation and management of inland fisheries stocks including coarse fish stocks. As Minister I rely on the advice of the boards in determining policy and legislative measures aimed at protecting these stocks.

The Central Fisheries Board is currently undertaking a review of coarse fish policy in Ireland with a view to advising me on developing an informed national policy for the management, development and protection of this important natural resource.

I understand that the group undertaking the review, whose terms of reference include, inter alia, the establishment of the current status of the coarse fishery resource and the need for protective legislation, expects to complete its work shortly and intends to forward its report to me, following due consideration by the fisheries boards.

The group carried out an extensive consultation process and invited submissions from the public and interested parties. The group also convened a workshop and open forum.

I assure the Deputy that any conservation or legislative measures recommended to me arising from the review will be considered without delay and with a view to their implementation as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the National Fishery Managers Executive is considering appropriate fish conservation measures, including possible by-laws, that might be put in place in the short term. I am awaiting their advice, which is due imminently.