Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 5

Written Answers. - Aquaculture Monitoring.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

62 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Marine the numbers he employs to monitor the effects and practices of the aquaculture sector; the qualifications held by those involved; the facilities they have at their disposal; where they are based; the frequency of the monitoring; and other information which is relevant to the issue.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

A programme of monitoring and inspection of aquaculture installations is carried out by the professional services of my Department, i.e. the Fisheries Research Centre and Engineering Division. In addition, inspections are undertaken as necessary by sea fisheries and fish quality officers based in the regions.

Three senior biologists and support staff of the Fisheries Research Centre at Abbotstown, County Dublin as directly engaged in evaluation, monitoring and regular inspection of the aquaculture industry. The Fish Health Unit of the FRC at Kinsealy, County Dublin — two veterinarians, microbiologist and technicians — undertake fish health inspections, disease surveillance and diagnostic testing. My Department's engineers, based at Dublin and in the regions, also undertake regular inspections of aquaculture installations.

Under my Department's monitoring and inspection programme, all fish farms are inspected several times a year from the various technical and fish health perspectives.