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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Dec 1988

Vol. 385 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dumped Salmon.

58.

asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement regarding the salmon dumped in Galway on Wednesday, 23 November 1988 (details supplied); if he will allay public concern that the salmon had a serious disease; if he will give details of any further dumping which has taken place recently; and if he will send an inspector to visit all salmon cages on the west coast to allay public disquiet.

I will take this opportunity to repeat what I indicated to the House at Question Time on Tuesday, 29 November 1988, in relation to the disposal of dead fish viz, my Department requires fish farmers to notify it of suspected disease appearance or abnormal losses or mortalities within 48 hours; the dead fish must be disposed of in a lime pit or other manner advised by my Department. Where local authority facilities are used, it must be by prior arrangement and with the approval of the local authority concerned.

My Department has investigated the Galway incident on 23 November 1988 to which the Deputy refers and in this connection has been in touch with the Irish Salmon Growers Association, and officials of Galway County Council and Corporation. I am determined to ensure that dead fish are disposed of in a proper manner at all times.

I believe that the fish concerned had suffered from the pancreas disease outbreak which has affected a number of fish farms in the west of Ireland recently. there was no threat to the public or to the wild fishery. In relation to other dumping incidents, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 30 and 56 in the House on 29 November last. Monitoring and inspection will be adjusted as necessary on the basis of the professional advice available.

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