asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if there is evidence of the presence of UDN disease among salmon in the River Liffey; if so, the remedial action, if any, that will be taken; and the catches that have been recorded by net and rod men on the river so far this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liffey Salmon Stocks.
3.
The latest report received by my Department from the Dublin Board of Fishery Conservators indicates that the number of diseased salmon in the Liffey is small.
The remedial action taken by all boards in regard to UDN disease is to remove badly infected fish from the water and to dispatch specimens as quickly as possible to the Department's veterinary research laboratory at Abbotstown for examination.
Catches of salmon by net and rod are compiled on an annual basis from fishermen's returns and other sources and the information requested in the last part of the question is not available at this stage.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary give us some information in regard to the position as regards the disease generally? Is it on the wane or have his Department had any success in diagnosing it or propounding a system of treating it?
The Department have given particular attention to this problem and it would be correct to say that generally—this does not relate to this question because it is a specific one relating to the Liffey —it is on the wane. That is the general situation.
Is there any particular reason for that? Is it just natural?
Possibly the steps taken by our scientific advisers would be a contributory factor to its decline.
I do not think the Parliamentary Secretary can be serious in that reply. I think the consensus of opinion among the Minister's scientific advisers has been that there is no particular remedial action they can take. Is the disease on the wane just in the natural course of events?
This question relates to the Liffey. So far as the Liffey is concerned the remedial action is a common one and it is taken by all boards in regard to UDN disease. It is to remove badly infected fish from the water. That is the first factor. If the Deputy wants information on a national basis I would advise him to put down a question and I will be only too pleased to give him all the information at my disposal because I do regard it as a very important item.
It is very important and I thought the Parliamentary Secretary would have a special study made of it.
It is disappointing that the Parliamentary Secretary cannot give us more figures in relation to the catches. Does he think there is any future for this fishery? This is probably the only capital city in Europe with a salmon-bearing river going through its centre. I do not get much confidence from the answer I have received. Are there any plans to ensure that this fishery will be preserved? It is about the oldest fishery in these islands and it is unique. I must record my deep disappointment at the answer I have received today. The attitude of the Government is defeatist.
I am surprised at Deputy Moore's comments because I gave a comprehensive answer. I am sorry I was not able to give the information requested in the latter part of the question for the good reason that it is not available. Catches are recorded on an annual basis.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that fish are removed from the water. How exactly is this done?
If they see a dead fish they take it out.
Specimens of the fish are despatched as quickly as possible to the Department's veterinary research laboratory for testing. The Deputy is well aware of the reasons why the tests are required.