Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

512. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when deep sea angling can commence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9933/20]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) issued angling guidelines in relation to Covid-19 to facilitate anglers to fish while complying with prevailing Covid-19 social distancing, exercise and travel distance limitations.  These guidelines are available on the IFI website www.fisheriesireland.ie The guidelines, which also apply to sea angling, follow the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the Government's Roadmap for Reopening of Society and Business.  The guidelines will be updated based on further NPHET advice, including advice relating to social distancing, exercise and travel distance limitations.

However, as the Deputy will know the activity of deep sea angling encompasses the use of sea-going vessels and important additional advice has also issued from Marine Emergency Services, including the Irish Coastguard, on the use of sea-going vessels in the light of potential marine emergency response.  My Department or IFI has no function in this matter.   

Similarly, I am not in a position to comment on the specific suggestion in the Deputy’s question as to the number of persons in a vessel, having regard to social distancing requirements.