Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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209. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason that he has initiated an investigation under a section of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 that is focused on the governance or accountability of a board and which ultimately envisages the removal of board members from office (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to serious concerns that such a limited investigation will deter other whistle-blowers from coming forward; if he will extend the remit of the present investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27172/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I have initiated a review under section 18 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 (which section is entitled ‘Removal of Members from Office’, ‘Members’ being members of the Board).  The provisions of section 18 are very specific and the review relates to issues raised in correspondence between my Department and Board members of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) during the period 1 February and 27 April 2022. The review is entirely unconnected with claims made in Seanad Éireann on 5 May which would not fall within the scope of the section. It is important to note that the allegations raised in the Seanad have been previously considered and addressed through, inter alia, the former Chair’s statutory Statement of Internal Control and audit reviews.  The Department has accepted the former Chair’s assurances, on behalf of the Board, both in relation to these allegations and that IFI assets are being appropriately managed.  

In the context of “whistleblowing”, my Department has been informed by IFI that a separate independent investigation is being carried out in relation to a number of matters which were the subject of anonymous disclosures earlier this year and that a member of staff has been suspended pending the outcome of this investigation.  This investigation is entirely within the remit of IFI and neither I nor my Department have any role.

There is no link between the review I have initiated and the IFI investigation, nor do I believe that the statutory review will deter anyone who wishes to make a complaint or disclosure from so doing.