Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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It was rightly said that we are the only EU country producing salmon at the moment. However, we have to acknowledge that we learned a lot from Norway and Scotland over the years. We can develop this sector. We are not curtailed by TACs or quotas, and we have ideal conditions around our coast to do that. The big hindrance is the fact that we have to go through too many hoops from the date of an application. A one-stop shop would be the answer to that. Over the years, we have found that people walked away and said they could invest in it but did not because it is much too difficult. It is not within the board’s control but it is important we have that. What efforts is the board making to assist salmon farming companies? I think of one in particular that has difficulties now because of the disease some months ago. Is the board still continuing to finance or assist companies going abroad on trade missions?

I believe the day will come when the boarfish quota will be up again. I think it is not known by too many people because there are no great quantities. I think we had 6 million last year. We have 80% of the boarfish total allowable catch. I was involved in that time in the European Union, because some of our vessels had concentrated on landing boarfish and we had good historical catches. It is a very small fish. Is there an opportunity for developing opportunities for human consumption?