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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 2

Written Answers. - Aquaculture Development.

John McGuinness

Question:

63 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to reports by Scottish Natural Heritage, which implements conservation legislation in Scotland, and a recent study published by the World Wildlife Fund, both of which underline the danger to wild salmon stocks created by the factory farming of wild salmon which causes pollution from chemical treatments, fish effluent, detrimental interbreeding and damage to shellfish; his views on whether intensive farming of animals, bird or fish is now increasingly viewed with suspicion by the consumer and, therefore, does nothing for the green image Bord Bia is attempting to create abroad; and if he will appoint a board of inquiry to look into the industry. [19274/01]

I have requested the Marine Institute to carefully review both reports and to assess the extent to which their findings may have relevance for the management and conservation of our wild salmon stocks and for the Irish aquaculture industry, where current stringent management practices and controls are kept under continuous review in line with the Government's policy objective for the sustainable and environmentally appropriate development of aquaculture.

While I have no proposals to appoint a board of inquiry to investigate the aquaculture industry, I am conscious of the fact that international salmon farming has become a major stakeholder in the global food industry. In general terms, I believe that enhanced international consumer awareness will increasingly influence the nature and shape of the food supply chain. Consumer safety is the major objective of the Irish Government and of the Irish food industry. I am certain that our commitment to best practice in Irish aquaculture will secure the high reputation of our aquaculture produce at home and abroad.

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