Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the provisions in place to prevent the importation of live non-native fish species, some of which are being used for live fishing bait, into the State; if his Department plans to bring in new measures to tackle this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11510/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Under EU legislation, the importation of live fish for aquaculture purposes requires the certification of clearance from a fish health perspective for each consignment. It may also be noted that any aquaculture activity may only be carried out in the State under licence, which specifies the species which may be farmed. This framework is due to be strengthened shortly with the adoption of a new EU Regulation dealing specifically with the introduction of non-native species for the purposes of aquaculture.

Under EU legislation, the importation of live tropical and coldwater ornamental fish requires the certification of clearance from a fish health perspective for each consignment, and the procedures in this regard are being updated at present following on from Commission Decision 2006/656/EC.

I have been advised that officials from the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board had become aware of information suggesting that visiting fishermen were bringing in fish to be used as bait but none of the inspections carried out following such information found any evidence to the fact.