Fisheries Protection

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Ceisteanna (248)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

248. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason his Departmental officials delayed announcing the signing of the Conservation of Salmon and Sea trout (Bag Limits) Bye-Law (No. 1023) 2026 on 2 April until 9 April 2026, when a departmental press release was published; was this delay a deliberate attempt to entrap salmon anglers who were still observing the 2025 season regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34030/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

The Department followed the established practice of recent years whereby a press release is prepared and published as soon as is practicably possible following the signing of the annual Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations and related Bye-Laws.

The Regulations and Bye-Laws, including the one referred to in the Question, were signed on 2 April 2026 and came into force on 3 April 2026 (Good Friday). The Bye-Law was published on the Department’s website on the next working day following signature, in line with normal practice, ensuring the Bye-Law was made publicly available at the earliest opportunity.

Any delay in issuing the press release reflected administrative timelines associated with the Easter bank holiday weekend and was not an attempt to entrap or disadvantage anglers. All efforts will be made to avoid this unfortunate timing in future.