asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that rainbow trout from the Inland Fisheries Trust's fish farm at Roscrea were on sale in the Dublin market recently; and whether, in view of the fact that the trust was established in order to attract tourists rather than for the purpose of selling fish, he will state the reasons for the change in policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Trout from Fish Farm.
The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes".
As far as the second part of the question is concerned, the main purpose of the fish farm at Roscrea is to supply fish for stocking of selected waters and to provide facilities for fisheries research. The only fish being produced for sale for table use are rainbow trout and the proceeds of the sale of these fish will be applied towards financing the general stocking programme.
No change in policy is entailed.
Can I take it that the type of trout in question is not to be transferred to other lakes in the country?
Some of the rainbow trout are being used for experiments in stocking in certain lakes where the conditions are regarded as suitable. The work is of an experimental character and in the meantime some of the rainbow trout are being sold on the market to defray the cost of the project.
Would the Minister, for the sake of clarifying the matter in the minds of anglers and other people, make a more elaborate statement in this connection on the Estimate for Fisheries?
As the Roscrea fish farm will shortly be opened officially, a full statement will be made on this project and its purpose.