Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 531: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the community support scheme for drift net fishermen will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10100/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Government agreed to make a fund of €5 million available for a community support scheme, the focus of which should primarily be those communities where drift-net fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on their economic and social fabric, e.g. Gaeltacht areas.

Officials of the Department are in discussion with the relevant officials in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs about arrangements for the management of the scheme. Details are being finalised at present with a view to publication in the coming weeks.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 532: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in relation to the national ruling regarding one salmon per person until 12 May 2007, there has been any exemption in relation to this rule; and if any other county, area or district has been allowed from now until 12 May 2007 to take more than one salmon per person. [10115/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law No. 814, 2006 which came into operation on 1st January 2007, provides for an annual bag limit of 10 fish for 2007 subject to a season bag limit of one fish during the period 1st March to 12th May in those rivers open for salmon fishing this year.

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board reviewed the available scientific data and recommended that a relaxation on the bag limit be introduced on the river Feale. In the interest of salmon conservation and having considered the recommendation of the Regional Board, along with advice obtained from the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission I agreed to review the above Bye-Law. On the 28 February 2007, I introduced the Shannon Fisheries Region (River Feale) Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Bye-Law No 816, 2007 which increased the season bag limit from 1 to 4 fish from the 1st March to 12th May subject to a daily bag limit of 1 fish during that period. This Bye-Law also incorporates the provisions of the existing national Bye-Law.