John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 410: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the compensation or diversification proposals for fishermen fishing for eels who previously ceased fishing; the policy regarding the opening up of the eel fishing in Irish waters; the reason it continues to be prohibited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3400/12]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The 2007 EU Eel regulation (1100/2007), drafted in response to the endangered status of the European Eel, required EU States, including Ireland, to develop Eel Management Plans. Based on the scientific facts available, a recommendation of this plan was that Ireland close both the commercial and recreational Eel fisheries in 2008. The then Central and Regional Fisheries Boards engaged with the eel fishermen representatives to investigate possible diversification schemes; however, no specific funding was identified for diversification. I understand that a number of former eel fishermen have been contracted by the ESB to undertake Trap and Transport operations to mitigate the impact of hydropower schemes as part of the eel management plan.

In June 2012, the status of eel in Ireland, and across Europe, will be reviewed as part of the reporting requirement for the 2007 EU regulation. This will include a review of the status of the eel stocks nationally and the potential for commercial fishing in the future.

This report will clarify and update the situation for eel fishery in Ireland and it will inform any decision to open the fishery or to keep it closed. In line with the conservation imperative, no fishing will be permitted in the interim. Recently the status of the European Eel in Ireland was defined as critically endangered on the Amphibians, Reptiles & Freshwater Fish Red Data List, published in 2011. Scientific analysis estimated that 2007 eel escapement (adults going to sea) was at 23% of pristine stock and declining. Due to the very long life cycle and slow growth in Irish waters it is probable that any recovery of the Irish eel stocks will be over a very long time frame.

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding fishing for salmon and trout in a river (details supplied) in County Cork; the quota that will be provided on the river; the way the quota will be allocated; the way the quota will be administered; if he will consider extending the quota in view of reductions in recent years that have made this area financially unviable for many local fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3732/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I can advise the Deputy that based on assessments the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) on the Bandon River is 933 for the 2012 season more than twice the TAC for 2011. The TAC is apportioned between the recreational and commercial sectors by the District Director of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) following consultation with, and advice from, the Fisheries District Committees.

It is fair to say that the District Committee and the Director will, in this case, consider the overall TAC increase for 2012 and the interests of the angling and commercial sectors in their deliberations. There are of course other factors to be considered in these deliberations, such as the impact of predation and fish health on the fishery. This consultation and advisory process is due to take place in late spring/early summer and in that regard it is not appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of that process at this stage.