264 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for the Marine if he will review the duration of the salmon fishing season in order to include the month of August as a period for fishing for salmon; and if he will make a statement on the matter, having regard to the views of the salmon fishermen. [10489/97]

I will not consider any possible extension of the salmon driftnetting season to include the month of August unless and until a salmon quota and tagging regime is in place. As part of the second phase of implementation of new salmon management strategies, an assessment of the salmon management task force proposals for a national catch quota regime is currently being progressed by the Marine Institute.