Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 7

Written Answers. - Fish Farm Rates.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

25 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason the fish farming sector is the only primary food producing sector which is obliged to pay local authority rates; whether he has been in contact with the Department of the Environment and Local Government in this regard; his views on whether this situation is inequitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19132/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

As I indicated in my earlier reply today to the House, I am fully aware of the concerns of the aquaculture industry in relation to the imposition of rates on land based fish farms. I am sympathetically disposed and I am pursuing the matter with my colleague, the Minister for Finance.