Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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178. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views regarding whether he has been lobbied by the commercial salmon industry; if he has any connections to those involved in fish farming; and if he is satisfied that he has given equal time to recreational anglers interested in protecting endangered stock as to representatives of the industry. [22027/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have no conflict of interest to declare in relation to the aquaculture industry. There is always a strict separation between my Ministerial role as decision maker in respect of aquaculture licence applications and my Ministerial duty to promote the sustainable development of the industry. This separation of duties is strictly observed. In the course of my duties to promote the sustainable development of the industry, I meet with many industry participants and other stakeholders, as is normal for this and any other aspect of my Ministerial brief and in that context, I have met many individual recreational anglers. I take into account all views in making any decisions that arise in relation to any and all aspects of my brief. This Government is committed to participatory democracy and I consider it essential that all voices are heard. With a right to be heard comes an obligation to present arguments supported by empirical evidence. I will always have due regard to arguments supported by fact.

The licensing of recreational angling is the responsibility of Inland Fisheries Ireland which is under the aegis of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.