216. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on a fisheries matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42189/24]

While my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is responsible for legislation and policy around invasive alien species in Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has the statutory responsibility for the protection, development, and management of Ireland’s rivers and streams together with 128,000 lake hectares.

Pike has been present in Ireland for hundreds of years and is considered to be a naturalised species which is widespread across the country. There are no plans at this time to add pike to the national list of invasive alien species.

However, the NPWS regularly liaises with IFI on matters relating to aquatic species. While it is not a listed invasive alien species, the NPWS will continue to monitor the situation.