Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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211. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will bring the inland fisheries (modernisation and consolidation) Bill before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15077/16]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The current principal statute governing inland fisheries is the Inland Fisheries Act 1959. The 1959 Act is itself a consolidation of legislation dating back to the 1800s. The modernisation of the legislation is required to address a range of complex issues including clarification of the ownership of fisheries, improving access to fisheries, overhauling fishery offences and updating penalties in line with the Fines Act, 2010, reviewing and modernising the current water-keeper system and consideration of aquatic invasive species.

It is proposed to finalise the drafting of the heads of the Bill and commence consultation on the legislative provisions with stakeholders later this year.