Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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616. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to reports that invasive fish species are to be introduced in various rivers and lakes; if this poses a threat to angling; his views on this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7435/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the State agency responsible for the conservation, protection, development and promotion of Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

I assume that the Deputy is referring to a recent post on social media expressing concern about a rumoured deliberate release of a non-native fish species. I have been informed by IFI that they contacted the person who conveyed the concern, and no additional information was provided to corroborate the post or render it a plausible threat. My Department and IFI take any credible reports relating to the introduction of non-native fish species very seriously as the introduction of such fish species could impact our native fish stocks.

IFI personnel based in the Western River Basin District, where the waters referred to in the post are located, continue to be vigilant regarding any identified risk and will respond immediately to any suspicious activity which can be reported on its 24 confidential hotline - 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24.

However, in the absence of any credible information to support the assertions in the social media post, it would be premature to take any protection action, outside of increased vigilance, or to request increased security checks at entry points to the State.

I can confirm that the National Parks & Wildlife Service Biodiversity Unit is also aware of the report and has forwarded it to Waterways Ireland to ensure comprehensive distribution by all relevant agencies.