Written answers

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Fishing Licences

Photo of Johnny MythenJohnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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244. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the percentage of commission paid to fishing licence distributors; if he will review these payments and percentages considering the distributors are responsible for banking and bookkeeping and have not been compensated for the collection of the extra stamp duty attached to each licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19039/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There has been no increase in the salmon rod licence duty which has remained unchanged since 2012. The rod licence duty comprises a conservation element (introduced in 2007) which is 50% of the total duty and is ring-fenced for salmon and sea trout conservation works and a further 50% which is the licence payment in respect of which Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) pay commission at a rate of 10%. Permit fees have fluctuated slightly over the period but the percentage commission has been maintained at 5%. Therefore as prices fluctuate the commission percentage paid remains the same.

The decision to offer credit and debit card payment facilities to customers is a matter for each business owner. IFI introduced the online sale and delivery of licences during 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions as many distributors were not in a position to operate.

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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246. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter in relation to the purchase of a licence to fish (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19156/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Many fisheries have been open this year subject to prevailing Public Health advice around travel distances. As such advice has progressed, restrictions have been eased from 12 April, allowing travel within each county or 20 km from home when crossing county boundaries.  As regards its own fisheries, IFI is implementing a phased reopening in line with safe work practices, operation and public access.  Many IFI owned fisheries are already open while many more will be open by 1 May. Stocking of lakes via IFI is also now underway following revised public Health advice. Salmon licences have been and remain available from https://store.fishinginireland.info/.  Those who require a permit can purchase one at or from approved distributors who are permitted to operate under current Public Health advice.

Updates on open fisheries will appear on IFI websites and social media.

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