Changes in the Regional and Central Fisheries Boards are "dramatic, substantial and almost unprecedented", according to the Minister for the Marine, Dr Woods.

They represent "the most significant initiative in the inland fisheries sector for 20 years", said the Minister, who introduced the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill, following a meeting on Wednesday with angling lobby groups.

The Bill changes the make-up of the fisheries boards and establishes a Salmon Management Commission, which would advise on management policy and continue the work on the salmon tagging scheme.

It also establishes the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) within the Marine Institute. The office would be a development and promotional agency for Irish shipping and shipping services. Dr Woods warned, however, that its "future existence will be dependent on it delivering on its mandate".

Dr Woods said responsibility would be devolved to local regions to manage and control their own affairs, through the regional boards, co-operatives and clubs.

He said he had secured £24 million for inland fisheries development for tourism and recreational purposes.

One of the areas of contention in the original legislation which has been revised with amendments is the composition of the boards.

The Minister said the revised structure "aims to achieve a more appropriate balance of fisheries and other relevant interests".

Mr Michael Finucane, Fine Gael's marine spokesman, welcomed the proposed amendments.

However, he said a reduction in the numbers on the boards would militate against the aims of the legislation, which was to devolve responsibility to local level.

The legislation would cover an area of 13,800km in main rivers and 145,000 hectares and he called on the Department to examine funding for anti-pollution activities in comparison with funding for other activities.

Labour's marine spokesman, Mr Michael Bell, said the Minister had "taken the upper hand" in the appointment of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards.

"We do not want people appointed on a political basis. There has been far too much of that over the years. We want people appointed with qualifications and who are dedicated, irrespective of whether they are a member of a branch or cumann of a party."

He said that while there was a case for a reduction in the overall size of the regional boards, the way the Minister had done this was "seriously disenfranchising" those who had the greatest interest and involvement in the inland fisheries sector.

Ms Cecilia Keaveney (FF, Donegal North East) said the development of the waterways had to be pursued in a planned and co-ordinated fashion. She called on the Department to increase its interaction with local authorities. Too many regions were trying to promote angling or water sports where there might not yet be a basic sewage treatment facility, she said.

The proposed changes were admirable but she wondered whether the necessary financial resources would be allocated to the boards.

Mr P.J. Sheehan (FG, Cork South West) was "dubious" that all the "ills afflicting the industry would be cured". He said the fishery conservation boards should be more representative of the ordinary angler. Mr Jimmy Deenihan (FG, North Kerry) expressed concern that if the Minister nominated too many members, they would be politicised and lose their independent focus.