Anglers will be allowed fish again from tomorrow, the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, said. He would "continue to monitor the need for, and effect of, the current restrictions in consultation with my Government colleagues and with the advice of the expert group".

He said the ban on angling because of foot-and-mouth would be lifted but it was subject to "non-entry on to agricultural land to which animals susceptible to the disease may have had access since February 1st".

Anglers from Britain and other infected areas should continue to be discouraged however. Mr Fahey told Labour's marine spokesman, Mr Michael Bell, "it is hoped that the easing of restrictions will allow for the resumption of ordinary angling activity in many cases, in particular lake and sea angling".

All port companies and harbour authorities had put in place disinfection, notification and preventive measures. The Department, with other Departments and State agencies, was developing a long-term plan to ensure adequate arrangements were in place to deal with entry points at small piers and landing places.

"The movement of fish within the country must be kept to an absolute minimum and consignments must be accompanied by authorisation from my Department." Precautionary measures were put in place at five fishery harbour centres managed by the Department.

Mr Fahey said he was aware the ban on angling "placed a considerable burden on the angling sector, which is particularly vulnerable due to the niche nature of many enterprises".

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, told members of Fianna Fail yesterday that the party's ardfheis on April 6th and 7th would go ahead, writes Alison O'Connor, Political Reporter.

However, according to the Government Chief Whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, he told parliamentary party members at their weekly meeting the situation would be kept under daily review.