Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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310. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a compensation scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44426/18]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Fishing for salmon was by way of public licence and therefore the issue of compensation does not arise.

The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery in the sea. In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. Under the scheme, fishermen active in the fishery could opt to voluntarily cease fishing in the commercial drift net and draft net sectors and undertake not to seek a licence in the future.

Payments to individuals were based on verifiable track record and recorded catches in the five years prior to its introduction. I am advised that the average payment under the scheme was almost €23,000. The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008. I understand that all funds were expended and there are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme.