Vol. 420 No. 1
40 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine whether a fish farm (details supplied) in County Galway is licensed; if he has received any report that the farm has been using excessive amounts of Nuvan and Ivomec and that employees on the farm are not supplied with protective clothing; if so, if he has investigated the complaint; if he intends to take any action on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I can advise the Deputy that the fish farm in question is fully licensed. As required under licence conditions, the fish farmer furnishes to my Department reports of chemical usage. Two recent inspections of the farm in question by staff of my Department confirm that chemical usage, when necessary, is by no means excessive; and that usage is in full accordance with standard procedures and guidelines. Farm personnel involved in administering Nuvan are provided with all necessary protective clothing and the requisite safety procedures are observed during treatments.
I am satisfied that the fish farm in question, which employs 15 people, is well run, complies with procedures laid down by my Department and operates in line with the industry's own code of practice.
