Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the proposal to merge the central and regional fisheries boards into a single national fisheries board; if this proposal is in train; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16283/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following on from the 2009 Budget Day announcement on 14th October 2008 of the rationalisation of State agencies, the Government has now formally approved proposals for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector, which include the creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. This authority will replace the existing Central and seven Regional Fisheries Boards.

A restructuring implementation group, which includes representatives of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards has been established and is developing the key features and structures of the model. Primary legislation is required for this implementation and in this regard a draft Heads of Bill has recently been approved by Government.

It is expected that the legislation will be published in late Summer, progressed through the Oireachtas later this year and that the new Authority will be in place before the end of 2009.