Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 1

Written Answers. - Salmon Industry

Liam Fitzgerald

Question:

235 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the Irish Salmon Growers' Association that the proposed Fisheries Amendment Bill be published in order to allow as quickly as possible for the development of this sustainable, labour intensive and environmentally friendly industry, to restore the confidence of fish farmers and local communities in the Government's licensing procedure and to recognise the strides made at all levels of fish farming in improving efficiency, husbandry, marketing and processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20433/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

The views of the Irish Salmon Growers' Association and other organisations and groups on the need for a new legislative framework for the aquaculture industry are well understood and well known.

The Government authorised the drafting of the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill last May. Work on the final draft of the Bill is almost complete.

My Department is in regular touch with the ISGA in the matter and the objective is to have the Bill published and introduced as early as possible during the current Dáil session.