Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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130. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason that he has chosen to investigate the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland given that it was the Board that identified irregularities with regard to dormant accounts funding, uninsured vehicles, procurement and the leasing of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28480/22]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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134. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to matters identified by the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland that have been sent to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28391/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 134 together.

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 Eireann 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 and in a number of media reports have been previously considered and addressed through, inter alia, the former Chair’s statutory Statement of Internal Control and audit reviews.  The Statement of Internal Control is part of the annual report and accounts, submitted on 31 March last to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), and will be examined by the C&AG as standard for all public bodies that come within the remit of the C&AG.  I and my Department have accepted the former Chair’s assurances offered on behalf of the Board, both in relation to these allegations and that IFI assets are being appropriately managed.