Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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493. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources why the process of gill netting, a practice carried out by Inland Fisheries to improve water quality, is carried out here; the amount it has cost the taxpayer to date; the other countries use this process; if any other process has been explored to improve water quality here and his plans to cease this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18018/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I can confirm that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) carry out fish stock surveys of a number of waters in the State. I am advised by IFI that one of the many purposes behind these surveys is to provide information on the fish communities to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of its monitoring obligations under the EU Water Framework Directive. 

IFI have also confirmed that fish are surveyed using various methods, including gill nets, and that the fish which are not released during these scientific surveys are further analysed to provide information on age, weight, growth, diet etc. Given the multifaceted nature of survey work, it is not possible to disaggregate costs in respect of the water quality aspects.

The latest available information as regards financial and time inputs to the combined elements of survey/management activity by IFI, since its establishment in 2010, is publically available on IFI’s website at the following link  . I will provide the Deputy with a hard copy in the post.

The issue of water quality generally is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.