asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of companies who are engaged in commercial salmon fishing in our inland waters and estuaries; the areas where these operations are taking place; and the number of salmon caught annually by each of these companies since 1960.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Fishing Companies.
10.
While my Department are aware of most of the companies who own and operate commercial salmon fisheries in our rivers and estuaries, a comprehensive list of such companies does not exist in the Department. Furthermore, particulars are not available of the precise limits of such private fisheries and in regard to the catches made in such fisheries, whether owned by individuals or companies, such information is required under the Statistics Acts to be regarded as confidential.
Is the Minister aware that rumour has it that there is a vast consortium of multi-national interests setting up in County Cork to cultivate salmon? Is there any record of that?
I have no record of that.
Is the Minister aware that it is estimated that 500 tons of salmon annually will be introduced by this consortium within three years? Will the Minister look into this because it is very serious for the Salmon industry.
Yes. If the Deputy provides the information I will have it examined.
Does the Minister have an overall figure for the catches of these commercial companies?
No such figures are available.
Would the Minister agree that it is a scandalous state of affairs that we do not have accurate figures of the amounts commercial companies, many of which are foreign owned are catching?
We do not have any such information.
I take it this 10 per cent will apply to salmon as well?
Unless they eat them, I am sure it will.