Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 497: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will list each piece of research or experimental work carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland or its predecessor the Central Fisheries Board each year from 2006 to date in 2012; if he will outline if each piece of research or experimental work was published and peer reviewed; the cost of each piece of research work; if the provisions of section 7 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 were adhered to in carrying out each piece of work since its enactment; the public interest elements which gave rise to the need to carry out each piece of research or experimental work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41224/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I have consulted Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) which has advised that the detailed information sought cannot be provided without the undue commitment of resources and excessive cost. IFI publishes, on an annual basis, details of research work undertaken by staff and these reports are available on their website http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Download-document/193-Research-Report-2010.html

The latest report summarises the major research projects undertaken by IFI during 2010, a year in which the research function of the Central Fisheries Board was incorporated into the new fisheries organisation. The report is a précis of the key research projects but does not attempt to document the full spectrum of work undertaken and advice provided by IFI scientists. If the Deputy has specific information in mind or could identify a particular case or cases, IFI would be happy to facilitate such a request by assigning a contact person from IFI to engage directly with the Deputy, or a person or group nominated by the Deputy, on this matter.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 498: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the river management practices carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland in respect of wild salmon in relevant river systems is fully compliant with all EU directives on the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41225/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Salmon management practices are carried out, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in various catchments throughout the country subject to appropriate scientific advice and the availability of funding. Where known populations of pearl mussels exist IFI liaises directly with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure that any proposed works will not impact on pearl mussel populations. In addition, all measures for the management of the wild salmon fishery are appropriately assessed in accordance with regulation 42 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitat) Regulations 2011 (SI 477 2011). IFI has determined for the purposes of regulation 42 (11) and 42 (16) that undertaking the 2012 wild salmon fisheries management regime would not adversely affect the integrity of a European site (as defined by the above regulations and having regard to regulation 42 (24)).