Written answers

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Licence Applications

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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396. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a decision has been made on an application for a draft salmon fishing licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23035/13]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The yearly allocation of public licences for commercial draft nets is governed by the provisions of the relevant Control of Fishing for Salmon Order. The process identifies a number of categories of applicant depending on, inter alia, the applicant's previous fishing history. The issuing of licences is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and decisions will be made in advance of the season which commences on 12 May each year. Any person over the age of 18 is entitled to apply for a public draft net licence unless they have previously availed of the Salmon Hardship Scheme.

The Salmon Hardship Fund was established in line with the decision to end, on conservation grounds, the mixed stock fishery for salmon at sea. The scheme provided a payment, based on catch history, to former commercial licence holders who could no longer fish or who chose to withdraw from the fishery. The beneficiaries undertook to abide by all of the conditions of the scheme including not to apply for a commercial fishing licence in the future. I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is a former holder of a commercial drift net licence and received payment under the Salmon Hardship Scheme. Under these circumstances, the person is not entitled to apply for a draft net licence.

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