Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has studied the recent submission from the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland and the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs, with reference to fishing controls; his proposals to meet the requirements as set out by the two groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15920/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I have recently seen a copy of the submission issued to Members from the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland and the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs on the conservation needs of coarse fish species, which I have noted and intend to consider carefully.

I should point out, however, that under the Fisheries Acts, the fisheries boards are primarily responsible for the management, conservation, protection, development and improvement of inland fisheries including coarse fish stocks. I rely on the advice of the boards in determining policy and legislative measures aimed at protecting these stocks.

The submission makes reference to the review of coarse fish policy being undertaken by the central fisheries board with a view to advising me on developing an informed national policy for the management, development and protection of this important natural resource. 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. Any conservation or legislative measures recommended to me arising from the review will be considered without delay.

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 its advice, which is due imminently. I will further consider the submission from the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland and the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs in the context of the official advices I receive.