Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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477. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of current valid licences that are in issue from his Department for salmon cage installations in counties Mayo, Galway and Clare; if all of these licences are being actively used; the person responsible for the maintenance of salmon cages; if these cages/installations are inspected by his Department's officials on a regular basis; if he will provide a copy of the conditions of these licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20132/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department’s records indicate that there are 18 aquaculture licences in use for the cultivation of salmon in the areas referred to by the Deputy.

These licences are either in-date or subject to the provisions of Section 19A(4) of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act. Responsibility for the maintenance of the structures rests with the licensee. Aquaculture operations are inspected on a regular basis by my Department and the Marine Institute. I have requested the relevant Division of my Department to forward a copy of the licences to the Deputy.