Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1628. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland announced its intention to cease all IFI fish farm operations in April 2016 without any prior consultation with NARA; the reason operations were ceased despite the fact that the Canadian Aquaculture Systems report did not recommend that IFI cease fish farm operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24489/16]
View answer1629. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason he is proposing to cease fish farm operations in Roscrea, County Tipperary, Cullion, County Westmeath and associated activities in County Cork; and the alternative he is proposing. [24677/16]
View answer1633. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the Inland Fisheries Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24914/16]
View answer1635. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has made contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the closure of fish farms here; the action his Department has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25127/16]
View answer1636. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has made contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the closure of fish farms here; the action his Department has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25128/16]
View answer1638. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has been in contact with Inland Fisheries Ireland following their moves to close fish hatcheries here; the action he has taken on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25130/16]
View answer1677. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will liaise with Inland Fisheries Ireland to prevent the closure of the commercial trout farms examined in the 2015 expert analysis to support optimised production of freshwater trout report by Canadian Aquaculture Systems; his Department's position in relation to these purposed closures; his views on the impact that these closures will have on recreational angling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25183/16]
View answer1681. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will intervene with Inland Fisheries Ireland to ensure that it continues with its fish farming operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25282/16]
View answer1705. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that Inland Fisheries Ireland continues to operate fish farms and trout hatcheries in view of the importance of these facilities for the angling sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26287/16]
View answer1706. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the proposals he has to ensure investment in the fish farms operated by Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26288/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1628, 1629, 1633, 1635, 1636, 1638, 1677, 1681, 1705 and 1706 together.
The proposals as regards the fish farm operations of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) are a day to day operational matter for the Board of IFI. My Department had already indicated to IFI the need for consultation with affected stakeholders prior to any action.
I am advised by IFI that the Board of IFI met with a delegation from the main trout angling representative bodies some three weeks ago to discuss IFI’s proposals in this regard.
As a result of these discussions the Board of IFI has agreed to defer indefinitely its proposal to exit trout production. All parties also recognised that there are significant economic, environmental and biological issues surrounding the current production facilities which need to be addressed.
I am assured by IFI that the Board is committed to developing a comprehensive strategy to meet current and future trout production needs, subject to securing the investment required. All parties have agreed to continue to work closely together to deliver this strategy.
I recently visited the fish farms to view operations and I have met with the Board of IFI and the CEO to discuss the concerns of IFI and the angling community. I am conscious of the concerns about continuity of a supply of fish for lakes around the Country and I have asked IFI to advise me of the outcome of their ongoing discussions with the angling representatives.
