Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his policy on sea lice controls compares with those in existence in other countries which engage in fish farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6243/13]

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 than 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.

The controls in operation are regarded by the EU Commission as representing best practice internationally.