Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1628. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland announced its intention to cease all IFI fish farm operations in April 2016 without any prior consultation with NARA; the reason operations were ceased despite the fact that the Canadian Aquaculture Systems report did not recommend that IFI cease fish farm operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24489/16]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1633. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the Inland Fisheries Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24914/16]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1635. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has made contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the closure of fish farms here; the action his Department has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25127/16]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1636. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has made contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the closure of fish farms here; the action his Department has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25128/16]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1638. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has been in contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland following their moves to close fish hatcheries here; the action he has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25130/16]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1677. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will liaise with Inland Fisheries Ireland to prevent the closure of the commercial trout farms examined in the 2015 expert analysis to support optimised production of freshwater trout report by Canadian Aquaculture Systems; his Department's position in relation to these purposed closures; his views on the impact that these closures will have on recreational angling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25183/16]

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1681. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will intervene with Inland Fisheries Ireland to ensure that it continues with its fish farming operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25282/16]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1705. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that Inland Fisheries Ireland continues to operate fish farms and trout hatcheries in view of the importance of these facilities for the angling sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26287/16]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1706. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proposals he has to ensure investment in the fish farms operated by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26288/16]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1628, 1629, 1633, 1635, 1636, 1638, 1677, 1681, 1705 and 1706 together.

The proposals as regards the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI.  My Department had already indicated to IFI the need for consultation with affected stakeholders prior to any action. 

I am advised by IFI that the Board of IFI met with a delegation from the main trout angling representative bodies some three weeks ago to discuss IFI’s proposals in this regard.

As a result of these discussions the Board of IFI has agreed to defer indefinitely its proposal to exit trout production.  All parties also recognised that there are significant economic, environmental and biological issues surrounding the current production facilities which need to be addressed.

I am assured by IFI that the Board is committed to developing a comprehensive strategy to meet current and future trout production needs, subject to securing the investment required. All parties have agreed to continue to work closely together to deliver this strategy.

I recently visited the fish farms to view operations and I have met with the Board of IFI and the CEO to discuss the concerns of IFI and the angling community. I am conscious of the concerns about continuity of a supply of fish for lakes around the Country and I have asked IFI to advise me of the outcome of their ongoing discussions with the angling representatives.