Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends to make a decision as to whether drift-netting for salmon will be allowed in 2007; when he expects to publish the report from his salmon advisory group on the issue; and the role the National Salmon Commission and other bodies will have in negotiations for the 2007 commercial salmon netting season. [33490/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware I have undertaken to follow the recommendations of the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission to fully align the management of the fishery with their scientific advice for 2007.

I expect that the National Salmon Commission, having considered the advice of the Standing Scientific Committee and the fishery managers, will bring forward in accordance with their terms of reference, advice on measures for management of the wild salmon fishery in 2007.

The National Salmon Commission is aware of the importance of my receiving their advice at the earliest possible date. I expect to receive their advice in sufficient time for the publication of the necessary draft regulations governing the 2007 Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme. There will be a period for public consultation prior to enactment before the start of the 2007 season.

I have just this week received the report of the Independent Group, which I established earlier this year to examine the implications for the commercial sector in 2007 and beyond arising from alignment of the management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice . This is to be presented to Government for their consideration shortly. Until such time as the report is presented to Government, I am not in a position to comment on its recommendations or implementation. The question of publication of the report is a matter for the Government and I.

Given the steps involved in putting in place an appropriate salmon management regime to take effect from January 2007, decisions about the report must be taken quickly.