Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 988: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the expenditure of State funds by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board which has brought legal action against a federation (details supplied) regarding the Gweebarra River dispute. [37936/09]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 989: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether it is appropriate that the Northern Regional Fisheries Board refuse to enter into mediation with a federation (details supplied) and instead pursued them through the courts over a period of three years at a cost to the taxpayer, only to be instructed by a High Court judge to enter into mediation with them. [37937/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 988 and 989 together.

As I outlined in my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1034 on 6th October 2009 and 423 on 13th October 2009, the Court has recommended that the parties consider mediation as an alternative to having the issues determined by the Court. The Northern Regional Fisheries Board has indicated that it welcomes this initiative. I understand that the legal teams on both sides are currently exploring what scope there is for negotiated settlement on the basis of the respective positions.

As the matter is sub judice it would not be appropriate to comment further.