121. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his officials in the Inland Fisheries Division issue Section 14 authorisations under the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 for stocking/restocking of fish in Special Areas of Conservation without appropriate assessment screenings being completed, as required under S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42184/24]

My Department issues authorisations to applicants seeking approval under Section 14 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 to carry out a range of different functions which may include the stocking or restocking of fish in rivers and lakes either for scientific purposes or to improve the fishery.

Each application received by the Department for such authorisation is forwarded to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for their advice on the proposed works. Having considered the scientific advice given by IFI related to each individual application received, my Department may seek additional information from the applicant including the submission of an Appropriate Assessment screening, if it is deemed necessary. It is only when all relevant paperwork is received and reviewed that any such Section 14 authorisations are issued.

The Department does not issue Section 14 authorisations to any applicant in Special Areas of Conservation without the receipt of an Appropriate Assessment as required under S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.