Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's Eel Management Plan was accepted by the EU in 2009 under the EU Eel regulation 1100/2007. This plan included a measure to close commercial and recreational fisheries for eels. There are reporting obligations under the Regulation and Ireland’s first report was submitted in June 2012 and the second report is due by June 2015.

In that context a review of measures within Ireland’s Eel Management Plan, including the cessation of fishing, has already been undertaken in 2012. This review including a comprehensive scientific assessment of eel stocks nationally by the statutorily independent Standing Scientific Committee on Eels. The 2012 review also included a robust public consultation process during which many issues were raised and considered. Full details of the outputs of the public consultation are available on the Inland Fisheries Ireland web site. Similar reviews were carried out across EU Member States as the eel stock has radically declined throughout Europe.

A further similar review of the measures in Ireland’s Eel Management Plan will begin in the coming weeks with a view to submitting the required report to the EU by the end of June 2015. An opportunity for further consultation with, and submissions from, stakeholders will be advanced during that process.