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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Mar 1989

Vol. 388 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Farming.

5.

asked the Minister for the Marine the chemicals which are used in salmon farming at sea; if his Department have a monitoring system on such chemicals; and if they are subject to EC regulations.

The main chemicals used in salmon farming at sea are Idophors, Dichlorvos and formalin. The use of all chemicals and antibiotics in fish farming is monitored by my Department. Fish farmers are obliged to keep records of all substances used for the treatment of fish and to supply the necessary information to my Department. All chemicals used in fish farming are subject to the EC Veterinary Medicines Directive 1981 which was implemented in Ireland by the European Communities (Veterinary Medicinal Products) Regulation, 1986.

Would the Minister be a little more specific and tell the House if the highly toxic chemical called Nuvam is being used in fish farming at sea? This toxic chemical is considered extremely dangerous and is not being handled in accordance with what people would consider the necessary rules and regulations. Workers are being put at risk in relation to the handling of this chemical.

The best possible advice is given by the scientific experts in my Department who examine these matters to those engaged in this kind of activity. The dangers of any chemicals used in this or any other industry are clearly highlighted and every care is taken to ensure that the people who work with them are fully familiar with the difficulties involved. There has been wide speculation about this product. There is no question that if handled carelessly or neglectfully it can cause problems but if the regulations and conditions under which this or any other chemical or disinfectant is used are abided by, there would be no danger to anybody involved.

Is the Minister aware that the US Environmental Protection Agency classify this chemical as dangerous to humans and one that can cause cancer? Can he tell the House if the manufacturers of this product have been issued with a product licence under the Medicines Act, 1968? I understand they have not.

Under the particular directive, all substances used in treating fish must be first approved by the National Drugs Advisory Board. My information is that Nuvam is at present being examined by the board. This chemical which is used for the treatment of sea lice is at present in use here. We are satisfied that if the conditions governing its use are abided by there will be no danger to anybody.

A Cheann Comhairle——

Sorry, I must make progress on other questions, Deputy Taylor-Quinn. You appreciate that I must dispose of the priority questions within the time laid down by Standing Orders. I want to dispose of your questions and that of Deputy Pattison also. A brief question, please.

I understand that but this is a particularly serious problem. If this chemical is only being examined by the National Drugs Advisory Board at present, would the Minister not consider it appropriate to ban its use until that body report on it? Is it not irresponsible to allow this chemical to be broadly used in the meantime? Is the Minister aware that it is believed that the trend towards the more frequent use of the chemical will not solve the sea lice problem but will put fish farm workers at greater risk?

I had hoped for brevity.

I want to assure the Deputy that a lot of research work is being done in this area to find alternative ways of dealing with this problem. The problem of sea lice up to now has been dealt with in every country by this method and to the best of our scientific knowledge and advice, there has not been, and is unlikely to be, any danger arising from its use provided it is used according to the conditions and regulations laid down. As I have said, advances are being made here all the time. I am aware that detailed research is being carried out not only here but indeed internationally to find alternative ways and means of dealing with this problem.

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