Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the restructuring of the Regional Fisheries Boards; the staffing requirements and redundancy schemes in relation to same; the position regarding the position of the current chief executive officers of the fisheries boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24078/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following on from the 2009 Budget Day announcement on 14th October 2008 on 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.

Given the nature of its work the new authority will of course continue to have a strong regional presence.

A restructuring implementation group, which includes representatives of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, has been established and will help develop the key features and structures of the model.

Primary legislation is required to bring about this restructuring 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, be progressed through the Oireachtas later this year and that the new authority will be in place before the end of 2009.

The terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards, including the current Chief Executive Officers, will not be any less favourable than those currently obtaining and indeed staff will be afforded specific statutory protection in this case.

Independently of the restructuring exercise, the staff of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards are eligible to participate in the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement; Special Incentive Career Break Scheme and Shorter Working Year Scheme each of which were introduced following the Supplementary Budget of 7 April 2009.