Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in publishing the heads of the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4546/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the overall rationalisation of State agencies that the Minister for Finance announced in Budget 2009, a new national inland fisheries body will be established, which will replace the existing Central and regional fisheries boards. I have set an ambitious target for implementing the decision. A restructuring implementation group has been established and is developing the key features and structures of the new model. Primary legislation will be required for this implementation.

Work on the draft Heads of the Bill to give effect to the new structures is at an advanced stage and I expect to be in a position to bring these to Government for approval in the coming weeks. It is my intention to publish details of the draft Bill once Government approval has been secured.