Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 9

Written Answers. - Fin Fish Farming Licences.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

83 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the conditions attached to the granting of fin fish farming licences; whether any of these conditions have been infringed upon; whether any action has been taken in respect of such infringements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

All licences issued by my Department in respect of fin fish farming projects include a range of conditions in relation to the different aspects of the farm's operation. These include environmental monitoring requirements, tonnage limitations, number of cages permitted, procedure for notification of disease outbreaks and use of chemicals, lighting and marking specifications.

From time to time my Department have been advised of infringements and in such cases instruct the fish farmer in question to take steps immediately towards full compliance with the licence conditions.

In the event of serious and persistent infringements of licence conditions by any fish farmer, I am empowered to revoke the licence in question. The working group on mandatory codes of practice for fin fish aquaculture, which I established last year, has been examining existing licence conditions as part of their review of the nature and extent of standards which should apply to the industry. The group's report, which I expect to receive shortly, will also advise on appropriate enforcement measures and realistic sanctions in cases where serious or persistent contraventions occur.