Written answers
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Regional Fisheries Boards
5:00 pm
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when elections from approved bodies will take place for positions on the Regional Fisheries Boards; the proposals he has to abolish or change the fisheries boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29121/07]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Elections to the Regional Fisheries Boards are scheduled to be held in December 2007 following an extension agreed by the Oireachtas in 2006. The Deputy will be aware that the Government has decided that a fundamental restructuring of the inland fisheries sector is required. However, in light of the recent appointment by Government of an interdepartmental group who are charged with overseeing the independent review of the inland fisheries sector with a view to it being brought to a conclusion and a final allocation of responsibilities implemented as soon as possible, it is my intention, subject to Oireachtas approval, to make a further Order postponing the elections until 2008.
In the context of providing the legislation necessary to facilitate the new structures, an examination is also being undertaken as to how the existing seventeen pieces of legislation governing the inland fisheries sector, which date back to 1959, can be modernised and consolidated into a single Statute. Officials from the Department are working with management of the fisheries boards on this exercise and it is hoped to be in a position to publish proposals next year.
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