Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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585. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the publication of photographs and postings on Facebook and other social media, which seems to suggest that there is widespread killing of freshwater fish species, contrary to fisheries regulations, particularly in counties Cavan and Monaghan (details supplied); his views that the current fisheries legislation and protection measures are sufficient, or if additional measures and resources are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8908/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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It is important for the public to alert Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) as soon as they become aware of an incident which they believe constitutes illegal activity. To facilitate this IFI operate a 24/7 confidential hotline number that enables timely reporting of all alleged incidents and a rapid response from enforcement resources. The number of this hotline is 1890-347424.

IFI deploy significant resources on protection and conservation duties and employ modern technologies such as covert surveillance cameras, night vision equipment and rapid water based transport vehicles in combatting illegal activity. IFI Officers, as part of the on-going awareness campaign distribute copies of relevant bye-laws and IFI has made fisheries legislation available on-line across a range of languages.

Reporting of postings on social media is welcome and IFI staff are continuing to monitor the situation and, where possible, follow up. IFI advise that where legally possible efforts are made to identify and interact with the persons in question with a view to ascertaining the circumstances around the alleged incidents.

IFI report that this has resulted in a number of alleged illegal activities being proven to be within the current legal framework but also in a number of individuals being issued fines or cautions.

IFI also advise that many of the photographs reported were posted over 12 months before being reported, with some posted as far back as 2009 and it is not possible for IFI to consider action on alleged incidents outside the established legal timeframe.

In that regard, I understand that some 65% of issues reported to IFI, via social media, in 2014 related to events alleged to have occurred during the previous year. Only a small number relate to events that occurred in the previous 6 months by which timeframe the ability to take action is defined.

The timing and evidential issues arising from reporting matters posted to social media indicate that the confidential hotline is the most effective and timely method of reporting any activity and I would encourage concerned anglers and other citizens to make full use of it.