Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
336 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has taken steps to combat the spread of fish disease; the results of his efforts to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6093/04]
View answerThe Marine Institute, acting on the Department's behalf, has responsibility for fish health matters. The institute carries out inspections on, and samples fish from, every aquaculture site in the State at least once a year in line with the requirements of EU Directive 91/67 concerning fish health.
The import of live fish from EU member states must also be certified in accordance with that directive. Additional health certification in regard to fish imports from non-EU countries is also required, in line with the standards laid down by the World Animal Health Organisation.
The institute is also consulted in regard to movements of live fish within the State. Such movements require a written permit from my Department following this consultation and confirmation that the fish involved are healthy and free of disease. Under the terms of current aquaculture licences, abnormal fish mortalities must be notified to the Department and the institute within 24 hours and such instances are investigated immediately.
I want to assure the Deputy that the measures in place to control the spread of fish diseases are robust and comprehensive. The fact that Ireland is free of most of the diseases listed in EU Directive 91/67 and has a record second to none in controlling the small number of instances which have occurred is a vote of confidence in these procedures.
