Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 538: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the publication in the peer-reviewed [i]Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences[/i] of an article, "Evidence for sea lice-induced marine mortality of Atlantic salmon ([i]Salmo salar[/i]) in western Ireland from experimental releases of ranched smolts treated with emamectin benzoate", authored in part by scientists from Inland Fisheries Ireland, which confirms that wild salmon passing through bays with salmon farms infected with sea lice results in increased mortality of the salmon; this also impacts adversely on the fresh water pearl mussel in our salmon rivers which requires these fish to complete its life cycle; if he will therefore protect these species by instructing his officials to ensure that no further licences are issued or renewals granted in these bays unless the operations use closed containment systems which ensure separation of wild and farmed salmon. [15280/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department's policy on sea lice controls is strictly evidence based. The control protocols are operated by the Marine Institute on behalf of the State and are more advanced that those operated in other jurisdictions for the following reasons:

- the inspection regime is totally independent of the industry

- data obtained as a result of inspections is published

- treatment trigger levels are set at a low level

These controls are generally regarded as representing best practice internationally.

Applications for aquaculture licences are assessed under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act which provide for extensive consultation with stakeholders, including Inland Fisheries Ireland, and also a period of general public consultation. Licence decisions are made following detailed advice from my Department's scientific and technical advisers.