Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food if he will give an assurance that any increase as suggested by him via his commitments on a programme (details supplied) to increase fish farms by a multiple of ten, will not contaminate the natural wild salmon and trout and if he will also give an assurance that the locations of these fish farms will be far removed from any spawning grounds of natural wild trout and salmon. [17616/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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All applications for aquaculture licenses are subjected to a rigorous examination by my Department and its scientific/technical advisers to ensure the maximum protection for the environment.

Full compliance with all EU and national legislation is a minimum requirement and the process of examination includes a period of public consultation. Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory consultee in relation to this process.

I am satisfied therefore that the application process is based on the best scientific advice available, affords the public an ample opportunity to comment on each application and conforms with all environmental protection measures.