John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions, which reflect the interest in the subject and the concerns that have arisen in light of some of the recent reports on the industry. I have taken note of the serious concerns raised which will be dealt with in the Department. Senator Finucane suggested that in a time of changing market conditions there may be a temptation to take short cuts. There cannot be any excuses for departures from the high standards expected of the industry. There will be no acceptance or tolerance of sloppy practices. Any cases which come to light will be fully investigated and pursued and serious action will be taken against the people who step out of line in the area of aquaculture farming.

Senator Finucane referred to the member of the board of the Marine Institute. We have taken legal advice and we have been advised about due process. I assure the Deputy that if a person, regardless of who it may be, on a board or elsewhere is found to have broken the law, we will not have any problem dealing with him or her accordingly. As regards the Connemara issue, it is being investigated. The advice of the legal service has been sought. We must bear in mind the need for due process. I do not want to comment any further at present. However, we will not tolerate any law breakers and we will deal with them accordingly.

Senator Finucane and others raised the issue of sea lice. The levels specified are set and there is a trigger system if those levels are breached. The Marine Institute will serve a notice on the farms concerned requiring them to apply any appropriate anti-lice treatment. It is clearly critical to the success of the system that these treatments are applied where necessary. We do not want any short cuts taken in this area. In the review of enforcement and control arrangements now under way, we will look at ways of ensuring that this happens in all cases. If changes are needed, we will take them on board.

Senator Finucane also raised the introduction of a statutory labelling system for seafood. That was introduced recently and is now in place.

Senator Kenneally raised the issue of fish diseases. He can rest assured that structures for fish health, such as monitoring and control, are in place. Inspections are carried out regularly at fish farms. Arrangements are also in place for the control of fish farms. We are considering the possibility of reviewing the system to see how we can control it further. The regulations are already in place and we are reviewing it.