Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

268. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will consider a review of the policy of gill-netting carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21320/16]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 4 July, Inland Fisheries Ireland published the timetable for the review of the National Pike and Brown Trout Policies. These policies deal with the established practice of controlling pike in waters that are designated as primary wild brown trout fisheries and where the principal predator, pike, is managed to optimise wild brown trout stocks for anglers.

Following the appointment of an internal IFI Policy Review Group later this month, the review process will commence with a scoping consultation which will be open to all parties. As part of the policy development process, fish stock management methodologies including gill netting and electrofishing will be carefully reviewed.  IFI will have regard to scientific advice and best practice internationally. IFI is working to ensure the completion of this process in as consultative a way as possible which ensures that all interested parties can have input to policy formulation.  IFI hopes to receive the agreed views of angler stakeholder groups, domestic and tourist anglers, tourism providers and the general public.

It is expected that the updated Pike and Trout policy documents will be available in July 2017.