Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1528. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to bring the staffing levels of Inland Fisheries Ireland up to that of its employer control framework; if he is aware that staff shortages within IFI are compromising its ability to protect the angling stocks here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31418/15]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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In the five year period 2010-2014 substantial Exchequer support, amounting to almost €130 million, has been provided for inland fisheries and almost €24 million has been provided for IFI in my Department's Vote this year.

The establishment of IFI has facilitated an improved national perspective in the formulation of inland fisheries policy which is more streamlined, coherent and integrated. It also facilitates the achievement of efficiencies in the effective management of the inland fisheries resource.

The Deputy will also appreciate that the Board and Senior Management of IFI have a key role in ensuring that the Agency continues to meet its objectives towards the conservation, protection, promotion and development of the inland fisheries resource. In achieving its objectives, IFI is delivering on the imperative, common to all Public Bodies, to achieve efficiencies and to maintain a high level of service.

IFI staff have embraced a range of changed work practices to improve operational efficiency. These include the increased use of surveillance technology and specialist vehicle and water craft patrols. These innovations underpin the imperative of ensuring the optimum deployment of resources.

I can confirm that an increase in staff numbers to 312 has been authorised and that sanction was received in 2015 for 35 additional temporary seasonal staff.