Committee of Public Accounts to examine 2022 Financial Statements of Inland Fisheries Ireland

The meeting at 9.30am will be joined by the Comptroller and Auditor General, Seamus McCarthy, and representatives from Inland Fisheries Ireland led by the Deputy CEO, Dr Cathal Gallagher, who has been delegated the function of Accountable Person to the Committee of Public Accounts. Officials from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications will also be in attendance.

During the afternoon session, beginning at 1.30pm, the Committee will consider the minutes of recent meetings, correspondence and other business of the Committee.

PAC Cathaoirleach Deputy Brian Stanley said: “Inland Fisheries Ireland is the state agency responsible for fisheries management of freshwater fish and coastal fish within 12 nautical miles of the shore. IFI is responsible for the protection, management, and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.      

“IFI had an overall deficit for 2022 of €227,000, compared to a deficit of €5.1m in 2021. In 2022 its income amounted to nearly €40.4m, up from €31.7m in 2021. The majority of IFI’s grant funding (€31.5m in 2022) is derived from the Inland Fisheries of Vote 29 – Environment, Climate and Communications. The remainder is generated from its business, including contract work, licence and permit income, and Salmon Conservation Funding.

“Key issues for the Committee include: board resignations and subsequent appointments; vacancies on committees; reviews of internal control matters; issues around uninsured vehicles and fleet management; the commencement of an external corporate governance review; weaknesses in asset management and leasing arrangements, including the management of Aasleagh Lodge and Cottages in Co Galway; the; withdrawal of certain prosecution cases; and the reporting of a matter of potential and  fraud to An Garda Síochána.

“The Committee welcomes this engagement with the representatives of Inland Fisheries Ireland and looks forward to examining IFI’s 2022 Financial Statements, the key issues highlighted within and related matters with Dr Gallagher and his colleagues.”

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

PAC is a standing committee of Dáil Éireann which focuses on ensuring public services are run efficiently and achieve value for money. Further information on the role and remit of the Committee can be found here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.