John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 553: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the unfairness of the proposed hardship scheme for salmon fishermen in respect of those fisherman who were unable to catch many fish in the qualifying years due to restrictions under the quota system; his views on whether the hardship fund should have equal payments for each licence surrendered with account taken of the number of years each claimant has held a licence and with an additional premium based on the level of catches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14927/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The status of salmon stocks in Ireland and elsewhere is well documented and it is evident that these have declined in the years since an historic high in the mid-seventies. Reflecting these trends, conservation measures have been introduced progressively over the past decade. However, the 2006 report of the Standing Scientific Committee confirms that despite recent reduced exploitation, many stocks are still falling well below their conservation limit. It is vital to afford every protection to the remaining salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch.

The Independent Group was set up to examine the implications for the commercial sector of aligning the management of the wild salmon fishery with scientific advice for 2007 and beyond. The scientific advice called for the complete cessation of all indiscriminate mixed stock fishing for salmon and the cessation of harvesting of stocks that are below their conservation limit.

As part of their remit, the group made recommendations to address any financial hardship that may be experienced by the sector. They recommended that this should be based on the recent catch history of the individual licence holder.

The level of payment is being based on the average net income per salmon in the commercial fishery for five years 2001 to 2005. This income calculation was based, by the group, on the average price obtained per fish each year less the costs incurred by fishermen. Each individual licence holder who applies to the fund is set to receive six times their average catch multiplied by the average net income per salmon. An additional payment equal to 6 times the current licence fee will be made in all cases.

The approach to determining the hardship payments that the Independent Group recommended and which was adopted by Government is, I believe, robust convincing and fair.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he will take regarding the proposals (details supplied) received from Commissioner Borg in connection with the hardship fund for salmon fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14929/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The proposals contained in the letter from Commissioner Borg to the Deputy have been explored by the Department in devising the Salmon Hardship Scheme and where appropriate will be incorporated into the community support scheme, the focus of which will primarily be those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the area.