John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 499: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied); if Údarás na Gaeltachta consulted him before making this decision; if he made any demands on behalf of the draft-net fishermen; if Údarás consulted with him before it bought the Musgrave Estate; if Údarás consulted with him as to the extent of commercial fishing licences in the area before it made this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12797/07]

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding a matter (details supplied); the reason no public meeting was held with the traditional fishermen; if Údarás consulted with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources as to the extent of commercial fishing licences in the area before it made this decision; the reason Údarás purchased the Musgrave Estate; the reason Údarás handed the fishing rights to the CISLT, who are not representative of the area; if there were conditions attached to the licence; if he can revoke that licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12796/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 505 together.

In the first instance, I wish to refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 264 on 22 Feabhra 2000 and to previous Questions on this matter, which point out that this is a day-to-day operational matter for Údarás na Gaeltachta.

In order to be of assistance to the Deputy, however, I have made further enquiries with Údarás na Gaeltachta and I understand that the fishery referred to by the Deputy was bought by Údarás in 1992 for the benefit of the local Gaeltacht area. Subsequently, Údarás granted a 35 year licence, with effect from 1 April 1993, to Comhlucht Iascaireachta Shliabh a' Liag Teo (CISLT), a company which was formed by a local anglers' society to manage the fishery. I am also informed that there was a disagreement between CISLT and a number of local fishermen from the outset and that extensive efforts to reach an agreement over the years, including the appointment of a mediator, were unsuccessful.

As the Deputy is aware, the Northern Regional Fisheries Board is charged with ensuring the observance of the Fishery Acts, Bye-Laws and Orders in the region. The fishery is also governed by the licence granted by Údarás na Gaeltachta to CISLT and by fishing licences issued to individuals by CISLT.