Dr. Greg Forde:

Perhaps I could respond at this stage to some of the other questions posed by Deputy Ó Cuív. As set out in our submission, we agree on the need for a split of the licensing and regulatory functions. As most people operate their farms properly, the industry must be appropriately policed, such that there is not a perception that the industry is not appropriately regulated. Penalties should be incremental, such that people who continuously breach lice levels are faced with higher penalties.

On the legal question, whether a person operating under a lapsed licence can be found to be in breach of licence conditions is an interesting question and a matter for the courts. On the question of whether the proposal for the Galway Bay farm is too high, as stated by Dr. Gargan, IFI wants to see every site assessed for what it can sustainably produce. Without assessments, it will not be possible to identify what level of farming can take place at a particular site. From my experience in aquaculture - I am sure the committee will be aware of my involvement in the area in the past - I know that when production is ramped up, husbandry issues increase much more quickly. In other words, one ends up with problems sooner. Smaller farms had less intense problems.

I will ask Dr. Gargan to address the question on the cessation of drift netting.