Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the commercial ban on bass fishing; the position regarding bass fishing; if he has received correspondence from angling clubs in relation to concerns over bass fishing; his further views on same; the way he proposes to ensure that bass is not over-fished here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13433/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has made a proposal to my Department regarding the possibility of a limited offshore Sea Bass fishery.

The proposal is being given careful consideration taking account of the advice of the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and being particularly conscious of the necessity to maintain the existing protection afforded to the inshore Sea Bass fishery. This factor is also recognised in the FIF proposal which gives assurances that the inshore Sea Bass fishery around our coast would not be targeted for commercial fishing. Under the FIF proposal, vessels would be permitted to land Sea Bass caught south of (51.30'N) in area VII. This area is approx 50 KM off the SE coast of Ireland.

In order to take account of the views of all stakeholders, including anglers, Minister Killeen wrote to Minister Lenihan in the Department of Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, who has responsibility for inland fisheries, seeking his views on this proposal before making any final decision in the matter. Minister Lenihan's response will be taken into account in the matter.