John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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573. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the most recent social impact study was completed in relation to the effect the closure of salmon and eel fishing is having on the families of the affected fishermen; if his attention has been drawn to the serious pressure being put on these families; his plans for a new social impact study to assess the risk to the loss of heritage in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3848/15]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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574. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are funds reserved from the last salmon buy-out that could be allocated to a scheme where older fishermen could avail of retirement scheme; his plans to introduce a further set-aside scheme for those who wish to seek alternative employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3849/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 574 together.

Ireland's Eel Management Plan (EMP) was accepted by the EU in 2009 under the 2007 EU Eel regulation (1100/2007). The plan outlined the following main management actions aimed at reducing eel mortality and increasing silver eel escapement to the sea:

- a cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market,

- mitigation of the impact of hydropower installations,

- ensure upstream migration of juvenile eel at barriers,

- improvement of water quality.

The overall requirement and objective is to provide, with high probability, a long-term 40% escapement to the sea of the biomass of silver eel, relative to pristine conditions (i.e. if the stock had been completely free of man-made influences including commercial fishing).

Based on comprehensive scientific assessment of eel stocks nationally and a review of Ireland’s EMP in 2012 it was recommended that the closure of both the commercial and recreational eel fisheries be continued in line with the conservation imperative. The 2012 review included a robust public consultation during which many issues were raised and considered. Full details of the outputs of the public consultation are available on the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) web site. Similar reviews were carried out across EU Member States as the eel stock has radically declined throughout Europe. The status of the European Eel has also been defined by the United Nations as critically endangered.

While I recognize fully the difficulty facing eel fishermen, the review of scientific and management advice and inputs from the public consultation informed the decision to continue with the cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market for the period from 2012 to 2015. Ireland’s EMP will be reviewed again this year and an opportunity for further consultation with, and submissions from, stakeholders will be advanced at that time.

I understand that a number of former eel fishermen have been contracted by the ESB to catch eel so as to contribute to "Trap and Transport" operations to mitigate the impact of hydropower schemes as part of the EMP.

The management regime for salmon is reviewed annually for each of Ireland's 143 salmon rivers and is set out via statutory Instrument at the end of each year in respect of the coming year. The process includes a statutory 30 day consultation period during which all stakeholders have the opportunity to make submissions on the proposals before they are finalised.

The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery in the sea. The scheme targeted €25m towards commercial salmon fishermen who were active in the fishery at the time and funding was provided to fishermen for them to permanently cease fishing activity. A further €5m was directed towards community projects.

The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and was ceased in 2008 and I understand that all funds were expended.

In the current economic circumstances there is no prospect of funding being available for similar initiatives.