Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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95. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Inland Fisheries Ireland used public moneys to engage a firm of communications consultants to advise on IFI’s stance and subsequent communications of actions in respect of a particular aquaculture application; and if he is satisfied that this represents an appropriate use of public funds. [24818/14]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The engagement of consultants is a day-to-day operational matter for Public Bodies, in this instance Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). I am advised that IFI has not engaged communications consultants specifically for the purpose outlined by the Deputy. Since its establishment in 2010, IFI, having regard to the range of both recreational and commercial fishing interests, the wide geographical distribution of activities, the conservation imperatives for certain stocks and the importance of wide and balanced engagement, has availed of the services of communications consultants generally across a broad range of matters appropriate to its statutory remit.

IFI also advise that, as with their administration of all areas of public expenditure, spending in this regard is carefully controlled and limited to that necessary for the effective discharge of its functions.

IFI’s has consistently expressed its support for Aquaculture Development which is environmentally sustainable and complies with domestic and international environmental requirements, notably the EU Habitats Directive.