David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

However, I will pick it up from the blacks. Second, I refer to the part of the response which states "While tunnelling can have an impact on the production of juvenile salmonids in certain circumstances, scientific evidence on the ground is it is unlikely this is having a significant effect on juvenile salmon". This is completely contradicted by the learned academic paper produced by Dr. Martin O'Grady in 1993, which demonstrated there was an impact of 70%. There is a conflict of evidence in this regard and that is important. I ask the Minister of State to take back a suggestion to the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, that he or his officials or both might meet Mr. Nicholas Grubb to exchange opinions and to develop matters further because he is an example of somebody who has lived all his life in this area, who has recorded the changes and who has a scientific understanding and knowledge of the situation. This could be valuable in informing the Department of this particular problem. I ask that were Mr. Grubb to contact the Department, a meeting might be arranged in order that they could exchange views.