asked the Minister for the Marine if there is any evidence that salmon have escaped from intensive rearing units; and, if so, the likely effect of such escape on live salmon stocks.

There have been isolated accidental escapes of salmon from intensive rearing units.

My Department are keeping in touch with research in relation to the effect of such escapes both here and abroad. The matter is under active examination by Irish scientists. The question of a coordinated international research programme in relation to the issue will be discussed in Dublin in May next year.

I would assure the Deputy, however, that my Department in conjunction with the salmon rearing industry will seek to ensure through proper design and management that such escapes are avoided. If the research which is under way should show that there is any risk to the wild stock from such escapes then ever tighter management regimes would have to be imposed.