Inland Fisheries Ireland Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Ceisteanna (1186)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

1186. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the report from Inland Fisheries Ireland on sea lice and related issues was not forwarded to the European Commission as requested during an EU investigation of the sea lice issue during 2009-2012; the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland was not consulted in the preparation of Ireland’s March 2010 reply to the EU investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37692/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

In relation to Pilot Complaint 764/09/ENVI, my Department forwarded all relevant material to the EU Commission, including material supplied by Inland Fisheries Ireland. In addition, the EU Commission arranged for Inland Fisheries Ireland to make a direct oral presentation of its position at a meeting with the Commission on 19 December 2011 at which my Department was also present. Following consideration of the scientific facts underpinning the State’s control protocols for the management of sea lice the EU Commission closed the case on 11 October 2012. Accordingly, my Department regards this matter as settled.