Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012
545 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the need for a 20 kilometre separation for siting salmon farming operations from salmon rivers; if this requirement formed part of a report commissioned by the Department of the Marine in 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29600/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for aquaculture licences are assessed under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act which provide for extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Inland Fisheries Ireland, and also a period of general public consultation. Licence decisions in each case are made following detailed advice from my Department's scientific and technical advisers. My scientific and technical advisers, based on current scientific knowledge and best practice, do not recommend any blanket prohibition such as that envisaged in the Deputy's question.
