John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

6. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the way that salmon catchment numbers were put together for the rivers Suir and Nore in each of the years 2018 to 2022, inclusive; the way that the calculations were adjusted to take account of low water during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50471/22]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

7. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will request the installation of a salmon counter on the River Suir at Carrick On Suir to ensure the accuracy of the number of salmon that go up the River Suir to spawn rather than depending on guesswork; if the number of salmon recorded in future will be based over a full calendar year using a counter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50472/22]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

8. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will request the installation of a salmon counter on the River Nore at Inistiogue to ensure accuracy of the number of salmon that go up the River Nore to spawn rather than depending on guesswork; if the number of salmon that are recorded in future will be based over a full calendar year using a counter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50473/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 together.I propose to take Questions Nos 6, 7 and 8 together

The management of each of Ireland’s more than 140 salmon rivers including the calculation of the salmon catchment numbers/exploitation rates per river along with the installation of fish counters are operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my department have any role. 

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

9. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that representatives of the ancient and cultural tradition of snap net fishing will be included in the decision-making process in relation to the salmon catch that is allowed on the rivers Suir and Nore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50474/22]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

10. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the way that the ancient tradition of snap net fishing that has been in place since the time of the Vikings will be protected into the future to ensure that the unique skills are not lost forever; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50475/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together. I propose to take Questions Nos 9 and 10 together

In December of each year a suite of secondary legislation – including the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations (WSSTTSRs) – is made by my Department to set out the fisheries management regime for the following year.  The legislation is based on individual annual assessments of more than 140 Rivers, including the Suir, Nore and Barrow, carried out by the independent Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS).  This scientific assessment supports the annual management advice of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) setting out the status of each river (open to harvest, open to catch and release angling or closed to all fishing) for the 2023 fishing season.

I am advised by IFI that this year’s scientific assessment and management advice is currently being prepared and will inform which rivers may be safely open to fishing based on such rivers having a harvestable surplus above safe biological limits regardless of the harvest method. 

I will shortly bring forward the draft management legislation for 2023 and, as usual, a full 30 day public consultation will commence in early November to afford an opportunity for all stakeholders to make a written submission outlining their views on the proposals before the legislation is finalised.