Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the overall budget in the National Development Plan within the Border Midland Western region for the development of the angling sector; the projected spend for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20111/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As I outlined to the Deputy in response to his question No. 274 on 28 February 2006, an indicative budget of €30.47 million in total was originally identified for the Tourism and Recreational Angling Measure (TRAM) of which €21.58m was allocated under the Border, Midland and Western Operational Programme of the National Development Plan (2000-2006). The launch of the measure was delayed pending State aids clearance from the EU Commission, which was received in March 2002. I understand that a decision was made in the context of other budgetary priorities to curtail the actual allocation to the measure at that time. No expenditure has been provided for under the measure, in the Department's budget for 2006.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps which he is taking to develop the angling sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20112/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the conservation, protection, management and development of the inland fisheries resource rests with the Central and regional fisheries boards. The fisheries boards devote considerable effort and resources to the promotion of angling and, in collaboration with the tourist authorities, to angling tourism.

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 expects to complete its work shortly and intends to forward its report to me, following due consideration by the fisheries boards.

I understand that Fáilte Ireland is carrying out research among tour operators involved in promoting special activity holidays and special activity holidaymakers. Fáilte Ireland has also identified angling among main areas of activity for which detailed marketing plans have been agreed, targeting the markets offering the best short-term return. Several other supporting activities are identified across all products including greater understanding of international trends in demand for special interest products.

The Deputy will also be aware that in November 2005, I published details of the Government's policy for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector. Discussions are ongoing between the Department and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism with a view to specifying the role of the inland fisheries sector in support of the areas of angling, tourism and leisure development.

I am confident this particular element of the reform decided by Government is necessary to ensure that our tourism and recreational angling sector thrives and reaches its full potential. I believe this reform will allow for the development of more coherent policy and strategy for tourism and recreational angling which will retain all that is best in the sector while at the same time making the role of the State in delivering on its objectives in this area more focused and effective.