Vol. 577 No. 4
87 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by a number of Donegal mackerel fleet owners that a person (details supplied) is abusing their dominant market position; the steps he intends to take to deal with the concern raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31252/03]
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the terms on which replacement tonnage in the RSW pelagic segment of the Irish sea fishing fleet is being offered for sale by a company which holds off-register capacity. This specific question is essentially a commercial matter between the parties concerned and one in which I have no function.
Competition issues generally are governed by section 5 of the Competition Act 2002 which prohibits abuses of a dominant position in trade for any goods or services in the State. The Competition Authority is the executive body which investigates alleged infringements of the Act, and the complainants to whom the Deputy refers may, if they feel it is appropriate, bring their concerns about alleged abuses to the authority's attention. Alternatively, it is open to aggrieved parties to consider seeking a civil remedy in respect of any such abuses under section 14 of the Act.
88 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to receive a final report on the cause of the large salmon farm fish kills in County Donegal in summer 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31388/03]
94 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received the final report of the investigation into the massive fish kill at Inver Bay, County Donegal, during July 2003; the findings of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31260/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 94 together.
As I indicated in my reply to Question Nos. 127 and 146 of 11 November 2003, the Marine Institute was mandated last July to carry out a comprehensive investigation of the significant levels of fish mortalities that were experienced by salmon farms in Donegal Bay. The scope of the investigation was broadened subsequently when it came to light that high mortality levels had also been experienced by certain other fish farms along the western seaboard. I am advised that the elements of the investigation relating to Donegal Bay are at an advanced stage and that an interim report covering this stage of the investigation will be finalised in the near future. As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 32.
