Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his decision in respect of the Fisheries Bill 2009 in the context of its implications for the retention of offices in Ballina and Galway in respect of River Basin Districts; if he will confirm if he intends to retain the office in Ballina and the office in Galway in view of the importance of both locations and the extent of fisheries involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3138/10]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 was published on the 18 November 2009 and has commenced its passage through the Oireachtas.

In cognisance of the growing obligations on Ireland under European law and in particular responsibilities under the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive, the Government has decided that Inland Fisheries Ireland should manage and report on its operations on the basis of the River Basin Districts established for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. The House may be aware that there are six River Basin Districts within the area covered by the existing seven Regional Fisheries Boards.

Notwithstanding the arguments put forward for retention of the status quo in the seven regions, I remain convinced of the merits of the river basin approach. Aligning the management of Inland Fisheries Ireland in this way will enable an integrated ecosystem approach to be adopted, which will be fully coordinated with the structures already in place for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive for environmental and habitat protection across all animal species.

However, I am cognisant of the scale and variety of activities and the location and number of staff across the North West and Western regions and can confirm that the Government has decided that the retention of offices in both Galway and Ballina, within the Western River Basin District, is warranted for an initial period at least.