Government trying to destroy aquaculture sector, IFA claims

FISH FARMERS have accused the Government of pursuing a campaign to destroy the Irish aquaculture industry.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) aquaculture division says delays in issuing licences, a decision to drop aquaculture from the latest EU/State operational programme and unilateral closure of seed mussel areas are elements in the campaign.

A piecemeal introduction of a new EU directive on fish health represents the latest episode in the campaign, according to IFA aquaculture chief executive Richie Flynn.

"The Government by its lack of will or ability to deal with fundamental issues for our industry is creating a situation where jobs are being lost on a weekly basis, significant private investment turned away, export and domestic markets lost to competitors, costs of dealing with Government bureaucracy spiral out of control and remote coastal locations denuded of young families dependent on alternative employment," he said.

"Is this ridiculous situation really what is needed, given the country's current economic circumstances and how can the Government stand over this shambles?" Mr Flynn added in a statement.

The new fish health directive allows for compensation to be paid to fish farmers for an outbreak of a listed disease. A statutory instrument issued by the Government does not allow for such compensation, and should be withdrawn and amended, Mr Flynn said. Such compensation had been allowed for in the EU directive, he added.

"Compensation is not a demand for handouts but is part of a professional contract between industry and State to ensure the effective implementation of a control and management regime, evidenced by the fact that no other livestock sector in Ireland is deprived of this right," Mr Flynn said.

"It is a measure which is used in exceptional circumstances but ensures the highest professional engagement by all parties, without fear or ambiguity clouding the important issue of preserving our vital health status," he said.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said the statutory instrument was fully consistent with the requirements and obligations under the EU directive, and it did not require member states to pay compensation in circumstances where eradication measures are required for control of fish health disease.

This did not preclude consideration of the position on a case by case basis, if or when any such situations might arise in the future, the department added.