Vol. 449 No. 5
32 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Marine the total sales of Irish farm salmon for 1994, both at home and abroad; the total number of people employed in the industry; and the plans, if any, he has in place for developing the sector further during 1995. [3959/95]
The latest statistical data available relates to 1993. In 1993 production of farmed salmon amounted to 12,366 tonnes valued at £39.1 million. It is estimated that at least one-third of this amount was sold on the domestic market to retail and catering outlets and to fish processors for smoking. The remaining two-thirds was accounted for in export sales particularly to the French market. Other important markets are Germany and the Benelux countries.
In 1993 there were 916 people directly engaged in salmon farming generating a further 1154 jobs indirectly.
The Government is strongly committed to the further sustainable development of the aquaculture sector generally.This has been given concrete expression in the EU Fisheries Operational Programme launched yesterday of which aquaculture is a key element. The investment underway and development projects in the pipeline will be supported in 1995 and over the coming five years with the assistance of Structural Funds and national support through BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The projected investment of some £36 million for aquaculture will help to protect existing employment and production, facilitate continued expansion and generate new jobs and economic activity both on farm sites and onshore operations.
