asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether any progress has been made in the investigations into the salmon disease.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Disease.
8.
The present position in regard to these investigations is set out in the press notice by my Department on 13th April, 1967.
Would the Minister be good enough to say if he has any information as to the occurrence of this unidentifiable disease in the rivers of Cumberland and Durham in Northern England?
I understand there has been a disease with somewhat similar symptoms in some of the streams in these areas in the past. Whether or not there is disease at present, I am not sure, but I could find out, if the Deputy wishes.
I should be glad if the Minister would.
Could the Minister say if he has got any outside assistance in research into this disease and could he also state if the disease has recently spread to a couple of other rivers?
If the House wants a full rundown on all this, perhaps the Deputy would put down a question. I will give him the fullest information then.
I left the question pretty open.
I would request the Minister to ensure that every possible precaution is taken to prevent the spread of this disease to the beautiful rivers and lakes in the West which, up to now, have been completely free of this disease.
We are doing all that it is open to us to do.