Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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45. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ensure the preservation and development of wild brown trout in lakes and rivers in circumstances in which it is indigenous; his policy towards the threat posed by pike to wild brown trout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41702/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) launched policies on brown trout and pike in August 2014. These policies, approved by the Board of IFI, were developed by two working groups which included inter alia representatives from the main Trout and Pike Angling Federations.

A review of these policies was scheduled to commence in 2017. However, recognising the concerns of some stakeholders in relation to elements of the policies, the Board of IFI decided to bring forward the review period and commence the process in 2016 with a public consultation process.  The public consultation process was held in November 2016 through which almost 300 submissions were received.

One of the most important issues considered in the previous policies relates to the management of pike in designated wild brown trout fisheries. In late 2016, a Review Group, across all disciplines in IFI, was established to specifically consider this issue. The Review Group met with Pike and Trout representative bodies in January 2017 following which representatives from a number of these organisations were invited to join the Group.

In May 2017, the Group, including the pike and trout angling representatives, met for two information gathering meetings at which a number of expert scientists made presentations. The Review Group adjourned after its meeting of 29 May to provide time to review and assimilate the data and information provided during the two information gathering meetings.  The Group reconvened earlier this month.

The presentations delivered at the meetings, along with minutes of the previous meetings and the public consultation submissions are publically available on the IFI website: www.fisheriesireland.ie.

I want to emphasise that while the policy review is underway, delivery of the current IFI pike management practices have continued in line with the existing policy. Therefore there has been no change to current policy or practice regarding the management of pike in designated wild brown trout fisheries.

It would not be appropriate, in these circumstances, to make any recommendations on policy change in advance of the report from the inclusive Review Group or to pre-empt its recommendations.  IFI have advised that the report is expected to be finalised in early 2018. Decisions on any change in the management of Pike and Trout will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

I am advised by IFI that they recognise the diverse opinions of stakeholders and as a Public Authority are obliged to consider all viewpoints on this issue. I would encourage open and objective participation by all stakeholders in the Review Group in order to seek consensus on the main issues.