Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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1016. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to make an order amending the conservation of pike by-law No. 208 of 2006 to allow pike up to or equal to 85 cm to be culled on designated trout waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34155/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the state agency responsible for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources.  In 2014, IFI developed policies on the management of Wild Brown Trout, Pike and Bass. These policies were scheduled to be reviewed in 2017. However, recognising the concerns of some stakeholders in relation to elements of the pike and wild brown trout policies, the Board of IFI decided to bring forward the review period for these policies and commence the process in 2016, focusing initially on the element of the management of pike in designated wild brown trout fisheries.

A group, comprised of a range of representatives from all disciplines within IFI, was formed to undertake the review. A public consultation process was held in November 2016 through which almost 300 submissions were received. In January 2017, the review group met with representatives of a number of pike and trout angling organisations and associations.

In May 2017, representatives from both pike and trout angling associations joined the review group for two information gathering meetings at which various scientists made presentations.

The review group adjourned after the 29 May meeting for the summer to provide time to review and assimilate the data and information provided during the two information gathering meetings.

The presentations delivered at the meetings, along with minutes of the previous meetings and the public consultation submissions are published on the IFI website at the following link: www.fisheriesireland.ie/Public-Consultation/public-consultation-national-policy-review-management-of-pike-in-designated-wild-brown-trout-fisheries-3.html

While the policy review is underway, the current IFI pike management practices continue. While this may be an area of concern for both the brown trout and pike angling communities, it would not be appropriate to make any recommendations on policy change in advance of the report from the review group. An initial draft of the report is expected to be available in the Autumn, however, IFI have advised that the report will not be finalised before the year end or early 2018. Decisions on any change in the management of pike and trout will be made as soon as possible thereafter.