Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the motion proposed by Senator Byrne. Will the Leader ask for a debate on fish farming? The relevant Minister attended the Seanad some months ago. I do not ask that he come today but perhaps he might come before the Christmas recess to discuss this issue, with particular regard to salmon farming, about which I am deeply concerned. There is a current application for a salmon farm in Bantry Bay and other applications for off the Connemara coast and the Aran islands. There is a well articulated and perhaps accurate group of people who are objecting to the whole system of fish farming as it exists in Ireland. They quote statistics from Norway, etc. If the figures they publish are correct - I am not in a position to say, not being a scientist - the whole industry of salmon farming in Ireland, which employs many people and of which we are very proud, with Bord Bia and BIM promoting and lauding Irish salmon, both smoked and fresh, throughout Europe, there is a huge concern about the legitimacy and propriety of certain actions taken in the farming of salmon.

This issue is of great concern to me, leaving aside the rights and wrongs of the particular salmon farm I mentioned. The group introduces issues that are of such concern I would be afraid to eat any farmed salmon. Of all the salmon we eat in this country, in the restaurant in this House or in any other, some 98% is farmed because the catching of wild salmon was outlawed. This is of enormous concern. When the Minister came to the House some months ago, he indicated he had well advanced plans for the biggest salmon farm in Ireland off the Aran Islands. I found that to be both interesting and encouraging but if what is being promulgated by the group I mentioned, which I reiterate is very well organised and articulate, with some of its members former fishermen, is correct it poses a huge question for the salmon farming industry in this country. I would like the Minister to attend and make a statement, clarifying one way or another which direction he and the Government plan to go.