asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will consider introducing grass carp to control aquatic weeds wherever they are found.
Ceisteanna——Questions. Oral Answers. - Aquatic Weed Control.
11.
I am fully aware of the usefulness of introducing grass carp as a means of controlling aquatic weeds but, because of the risks involved for our native fish population, it is considered that the introduction of grass carp would not be justified except perhaps under strictly controlled conditions. The position is being kept under review.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us any idea of what are the dangers arising from the introduction of grass carp? He mentioned in the course of his reply that there would be dangers involved in introducing them.
Grass carp are recognised as a useful means of controlling aquatic weeds. However, before permitting their introduction here we would have to be satisfied that they would not have a detrimental effect on our native fish, as their presence might create a disease risk. Also, they might be competitors for the food of native fish. The carp could be permitted to be stocked only in an enclosed water system or a landlocked lake. It is understood also that the carp, if introduced, would not breed naturally in our waters as they are warm water fish. Therefore, regular supplies would have to be imported from Poland or Hungary, which would be an expensive undertaking.
Is it suggested that the waters of Poland are warmer than ours?
That is the implication here, or that their waters are more suitable for the breeding of grass carp.
I did not know that the waters of Poland are warmer than those in our rivers. If there are ongoing tests, I was wondering——
Deputy Lalor learns something new every day. He knows now about the varying degrees of water.
So it is hotter in Poland. If "Professor Murphy" says so, that is all right by me.
That is the official statement here and I assume it to be correct.