Vol. 443 No. 4
127 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the use of organo-phosphorous insecticides in fish farming; and whether the use of such substances has been replaced because of adverse consequences on the environment.
In so far as I have a function in this matter it derives from my statutory role as licensing authority for all fish farming operations governing their location, management, fish husbandry and production parameters. The use of all veterinary medical products is regulated under legislation administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, while the National Drugs Advisory Board is the competent product-licensing authority under EU and national legislation.
An organo-phosphorous insecticide based on dichlorvos — tradename Nuvan — has been used for some years by the salmon farming industry to control sea lice on farmed salmon. The National Drugs Advisory Board, as the assessor for the product licence for Nuvan, approved its use in the aquatic environment. International findings indicate that, properly used, dichlorvos poses no risk to public health. There is also no evidence to suggest that its use in fish farming has had an adverse impact on fish or on the environment. The active ingredient does not persist in the marine environment. Very little dichlorvos enters the salmon flesh where, in any event, it would be broken down rapidly.
128 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make a statement on the use by Irish farmers of organo-phosphorous sheep dips in view of allegations of adverse effects on health.
The safety of all veterinary medicinal products, including sheep dips, is a matter for the National Drugs Advisory Board.
