Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Jun 1990

Vol. 400 No. 2

Written Answers. - Fish Farm Controls.

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

44 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the controls in existence to cover the use by fish farms of the chemical Malachite green; if any research has been done, or is being planned, on possible risk to humans arising from its use; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

Strict controls apply in relation to malachite green.

Firstly, the substance is classed as pesticide by the Department of Agriculture and Food which means that stringent limits apply in relation to permissible dilutions in drinking water under the terms of the relevant EC Directive on drinking water quality.

Secondly, under the normal planning process for discharge licences and production structures, local authorities would normally review all proposals which involved the possible discharge of malachite green and attach whatever conditions they felt necessary to safeguard the public. My Department would be consulted in that process. Ensuring that planning conditions etc. in this regard are adhered to is a matter for the relevant local authorities.

Thirdly, as the licensing authority for fish culture operations, my own Department would also have to be satisfied that such operations did not threaten public health. In this regard, the use of chemicals is monitored carefully.

The aquaculture industry is, however, not an intensive user of drugs and chemicals, usage being low level and irregular. The use of malachite green is permitted in all salmonid producing countries. In this regard the safe limits allowed in the UK are much higher than permitted in this country. The research available here and elsewhere shows that, if properly used, it poses no risk to public health. There is no evidence available to suggest that its use in this country has had any adverse impact on water quality. In this regard I would point out that no malachite green was used in the Poulaphuca reservoir in 1989.

This is a matter which all the agencies involved will, of course, be keeping under close review.