Vol. 405 No. 3
156 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Marine whether public money is being utilised by a company (details supplied); if this company are removing smolts by helicopter or other transport from Derrynane, County Kerry for fish farms; and, if so, the location where smolts are being removed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The company in question is eligible in the normal way to avail of grant aid schemes for the establishment of new aquaculture ventures administered by relevant State agencies of the European Communities, and have been successful in this regard in the past.
All live fish movements within the State require a permit from my Department under its fish disease control system; no such permit has issued in respect of any current operation at Derrynane.
The fish farm in question was first stocked in 1989, and relevant permits were issued by my Department in respect of all movements of fish since. All normal movements of smolts would occur to the farm, rather than from it.
