13 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Marine the total value and tonnage of fish dumped during 1989 and 1990; if he has considered any less wasteful way of disposing of this fish; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): One thousand nine hundred and ten tonnes of fish, with a value of approximately IR£267,165, were withdrawn from the market and disposed of by dumping during 1989 under the European Community's market support programme. This compares with 272 tonnes, valued at approximately IR£38,433, in 1990 and represents an 86 per cent decrease in terms of tonnage over 1989. Because of the complex nature of the financial compensation for fish withdrawn from the market, it is only possible to give approximate values.

Fishermen's producers organisations have been urged by my Department to avoid dumping where possible and to dispose of surplus fish through fishmeal or animal feed processing outlets. In 1990 dumped fish accounted for only 5.5 per cent of fish withdrawn from the market. The vast bulk, 93.9 per cent, was used for fishmeal, while the remaining 0.6 per cent was used for animal feed.

I welcome the fact that the quantity of fish dumped has been reduced. Can the Minister of State say if this will continue to be the trend in 1991 and when can we expect to see this scandalous practice of dumping fish back into the sea being brought to an end?

(Limerick West): I expect this trend to continue and I am constantly in touch with producers organisations to remind them of the need to dump the minimum amount of fish and take into account seasonal and temporary market fluctuations. Therefore, I am very concerned about this aspect from an environmental point of view.

Can the Minister of State give us any indication of the amount of fish which has been dumped so far this year, even if it is only an estimate?

(Limerick West): I do not have that information but I will gladly let the Deputy have it if it is available.

Can the Minister of State say where the fish is dumped, if pollution has been caused and if any objections have been received?

(Limerick West): It comes down to a question of whether pollution has been caused and if it has had an impact on the environment.

That is pollution.

(Limerick West): We are not happy to see fish being dumped. We would much prefer to see it being used for fishmeal and for animal feed.

There is a desperate smell from dead fish.

Where is the fish dumped?

(Limerick West): I do not have that information.

The Green Party ought to be interested in that aspect.

(Limerick West): We are interested in all aspects, Deputy.