Recent reports regarding proposals for a buy-out of commercial salmon licences for six-figure sums had no official status, the Minister for the Marine and National Resources, Mr Fahey, said.
There was a long-standing body of opinion here and abroad which saw "buy-out" of commercial licences as the key to restoration of stocks.
The situation was far more complex in reality. Experience internationally was mixed. He was awaiting the consensus advice of the National Salmon Commission in the first instance, but he would underline that overall policy would be informed by all the factors at work.
It must also reflect the legitimate entitlements of commercial fishermen as stakeholders in the resource. "At present we are co-financing two pilot schemes at catchment level for voluntary set-aside of commercial fishing engines for salmon.
"Both of these schemes are based on matching contributions by other stakeholders, and I have asked all the regional fisheries boards to encourage the development of similar projects based on consensus and local contribution.
"Funding is available for such schemes subject to value-for-money considerations, local shareholder contribution and demonstrable benefits for salmon stocks."
Mr Fahey said his principal policy objective was to increase returns of salmon, thus enhancing the availability of stocks for tourism and domestic sport angling to the national benefit.
"It is without question, however, that all sectors must play their part where catch and escapement data show that stocks are under threat. No sector will be relieved of the obligation to reduce their share of mortality on salmon in catchments at risk."
The Minister said the Bill also provided for a system of on-the-spot fines in relation to fisheries offences which would operate in a similar fashion to the on-the-spot fine system for minor traffic offences.
In addition, it would provide the necessary technical amendments to earlier legislation to create offences and penalties in relation to the salmon-tagging scheme.