Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 325: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the role of anglers in relation to the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector; his further views on whether anglers must be represented on this new authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48146/09]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 which provides for the restructuring of the management of the inland fisheries sector is currently before the House. The Bill provides for the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland, a single authority which will replace the existing Central Fisheries Board and seven Regional Fisheries Boards. The angling community has always played an important role in the conservation and development of our national inland fisheries resource and I do not foresee that this will change with the transition to the new structures.

As I have previously maintained, the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland should be small and contain a strong focus relevant to its business and to the general issue of good corporate governance. I believe the provisions of the Bill, which provide for a board of nine members, achieves this. The Bill provides that potential appointees to the board must have had experience of or have shown capacity in one or more of a number of areas including, inter alia, recreational fisheries. It is my intention that members appointed to the board will have the necessary expertise and competencies to lead Inland Fisheries Ireland to fully deliver on its potential.

Additionally, in recognition of the need for and the value of stakeholder, including angler, participation in inland fisheries, provision has been made in the Bill for the establishment of a national inland fisheries forum. It is envisaged that this will facilitate input by local stakeholders into the work of Inland Fisheries Ireland. I also expect Inland Fisheries Ireland to establish effective communication channels to give local interests an opportunity to influence policies and how they are implemented at a local level.