Aquaculture Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2015

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Questions (73, 74)

Clare Daly

Question:

73. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason after the unexplained death or escape of approximately 232,780 salmon into Bantry Bay on Saturday, 1 February 2014, records released by his Department show that the relevant officials in his Department were not made aware of the accident until the following Monday, 9 February 2014, in spite of the statutory obligations on operators to report accidents without delay. [36789/15]

Clare Daly

Question:

74. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an assurance to the public that the company responsible for the unexplained death or escape of approximately 232,780 salmon in Bantry Bay on 1 February 2014 was requested to carry out a detailed structural inspection of the cages, equipment and moorings by qualified divers, with a follow-up report submitted to his Department before the introduction of additional stock to the cages, as recommended by his Department’s engineering division. [36790/15]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.

As the Deputy is aware my Department’s examination of the damage to structures at the aquaculture site in question is ongoing.

This examination, which is nearing completion, is detailed and involves all engineering, scientific, environmental and technical matters associated with the incident.

In the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter pending the completion of my Department’s examination.