Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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239. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding salmon farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36589/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The review referred to by the Deputy has been referred by my Department to the Marine Institute for assessment. All applications for Marine finfish licences are considered by my Department under the provision s of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act , the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation.

The assessment process is rigorous and includes a period of statutory and public consultation. It also reflects the full engineering, scientific, environmental, legal and public policy aspects of each application.

In Ireland the control protocols in respect of sea lice 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

These controls, which are evidence based, are widely accepted as representing best practice internationally.

The application by Bord Iascaigh Mhara for an aquaculture licence for the cultivation of finfish in Galway Bay is currently under consideration by my Department in accordance with the applicable legislation.

There is always a strict separation between my Ministerial role as decision maker in respect of aquaculture licence applications and my Ministerial duty to promote the sustainable development of the industry. This separation of duties is strictly observed.

As the application is under active consideration as part of the statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.