Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 952: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when it is next proposed to have elections to the regional fisheries boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28499/08]

Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 953: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the establishment of the national inland fisheries authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28500/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 952 and 953 together.

In accordance with the Regional Fisheries Boards (Postponement of Elections) Order 2007 (SI No. 811 of 2007), elections to the Regional Fisheries Boards which were due to be held in 2007 have been postponed until 2008. As I have previously advised the House, in response to a call from the Fisheries Board's Chairpersons late last year in relation to restructuring of the boards, I requested that they develop an agreed proposal for my consideration. This was presented to me in early May. Following consultation with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, I am considering the most appropriate way of progressing in terms of streamlining the sector and will make an announcement in near future.