Controversy over fishing ban on salmon

THERE were strong indications last night that the Government will give the go-ahead this morning for a ban on salmon drift net fishing, only hours before the issue is discussed by an all-party committee.

Expectations are that Communications and Marine Minister Noel Dempsey will strongly argue that the report — which recommends an outright ban on drift net fishing in Irish waters — be adopted in full.

Senior sources suggested last night that Mr Dempsey’s stance was likely to be accepted by his ministerial colleagues.