Brendan Griffin
Question:190. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19647/13]
View answerThursday, 25 April 2013
Questions (190)
Written answers
The report to which the Deputy refers is currently being examined by my Department in conjunction with the Marine Institute to which it has been forwarded for observations. I can confirm that my Department’s policy on sea lice management is strictly evidence based. The control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced that those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:- the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry; data obtained as a result of inspections is published; treatment trigger levels are set at a low level. The control protocols have been the subject of detailed investigation and testing by the EU Commission which has confirmed that it regards the sea lice protocols operated in Ireland as representing best practice internationally.
In relation to the application by BIM for an Aquaculture Licence for the cultivation of fin fish in Galway Bay, the application and its accompanying Environmental Impact Statement is being considered under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act which provide for extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Inland Fisheries Ireland, which has responsibility for wild salmon stocks. The legislation also provides for a period of general public consultation. All matters associated with the application including the impact, if any, on wild salmon stocks, will be given very careful consideration by my Department. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this application which is under active consideration as part of a statutory process.