Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the formation of the inland fisheries forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30756/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The National Inland Fisheries Forum is established by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in accordance with section 7(4)(a) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010, (No 10, 2010).

The Chairperson of the National Inland Fisheries Forum, Derek Davis, and membership was appointed in accordance with the terms of reference agreed with IFI, as provided for in section 7(4)(b) of the statute. The Forum is required to meet not less than twice a year. The first meeting of the Forum took place on 20 October 2011. The Forum consists of 60 members who were appointed following an open selection process conducted by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of IFI.

The Forum includes a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the inland fisheries sector who have demonstrated knowledge or expertise in a number of key sectors including, inter alia, recreational and commercial fisheries, environment, business, tourism, marketing, aquaculture and agriculture. In appointing members, recognition was given to the importance of a regional dimension to the composition of the Forum ensuring each River Basin District is appropriately represented.

I believe that the Forum will provide a meaningful channel of communication between the stakeholders and management of the inland fisheries resource. I expect that the Forum will provide the various stakeholders with an opportunity to influence policies on how the resource is managed and developed in the current challenging economic climate and into the future. I would like to put on record of the House my appreciation to the members for the time and attention they have committed to the Forum, noting that the valuable spirit of volunteerism is alive in the inland fisheries sector.