Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of commercial salmon licences issued; the recipients of the buyout of licences; the method in place to enforce the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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The number of commercial salmon fishing licences available for issue is governed by the Control of Fishing for Salmon Order, 2009 (S.I. No. 142, 2009). Licences are issued by the Regional Fisheries Boards. I have been informed by the Boards that a total of 149 commercial salmon licences have been issued in 2009 to date. A further 28 licences have been issued by the Loughs Agency in respect of the Foyle area under the provisions of the Foyle Area (Control of Drift and Draft Net Fishing) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.

The Salmon Hardship Scheme was established following the cessation of the interceptory mixed stock fishing for wild salmon. The scheme which was administered on behalf of the Department by Bord Iascaigh Mhara and by the Loughs Agency in respect of the Foyle area, was launched in March 2007 and a total of 1,171 applicants availed of the scheme by the closing date of 31 December 2007. The terms of receipt of a payment under the scheme required licence holders not to apply for a salmon fishing licence in the future and applications received each year are vetted in this regard.