North West fisheries staff and duties
The board employs 31 permanent and two part-time staff, all working on fisheries protection and development. The Minister said illegal fishing draws staff toward protection, while regional boards set development programmes according to local needs and available resources.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of people employed by the North West Fisheries Board on a permanent and part-time basis; and the duties assigned to the various employees.
Comment on this
The number of people employed by the North Western Regional Fisheries Board is as follows: 31 permanent staff; 2 part-time staff.
All staff are engaged in carrying out the board's functions on the protection and development of the fisheries in the region.
Comment on this
Would the Minister accept that in setting up the new boards, emphasis will be placed on development of the salmon fishing industry as it appears that fishery officers are carrying on the role of bailiff——
Comment on this
Does the Minister accept that they are not involved in development to the extent that one would like to see?
Comment on this
It is a question of balance. They have a dual function, protection and development. If the Deputy is convinced that they are predominantly concerned with protection it probably indicates the level of illegal fishing going on with which they are trying to cope. If they were free to pursue the development aspect of their work they would be delighted to do so because it would be easier for them as they would have regular hours.
Comment on this
Does the Minister accept that they are engaged in the role of bailiff for a short period of the year? Can he say if any definite programme in relation to the development of spawning beds and so on which is necessary in relation to the salmon industry has been carried out or if any programme has been prepared for these officers?
Comment on this
The regional boards are responsible to the central board and they draw up their own programmes in each area depending on the need for such programmes and the conditions applying in each regional area. At present much progress has been made on development, not to my full satisfaction or to anybody's full satisfaction, but within the resources available to them both in finance and manpower they are doing a first-class job. The reason they seem to be predominantly involved in protection is because of the level of illegal fishing. I do not agree that that is only for a short period because illegal fishing takes place right into the close season.