24 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine if he accepts the findings of the STAG report in respect of the collapse of the numbers of sea trout, and if he will make a statement on the matter, outlining, in particular his proposals to improve the position.

44 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce or completely eliminate the huge numbers of sea lice emanating from salmon farms.

94 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine if he accepts the findings of the recent STAG report; if he will outline the action which is to be taken to protect the sea front in the affected area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 44 and 94 together.

As I indicated to the House in my reply of 26 February last on this issue, there is a number of differing views as to the cause of the sea trout collapse. Since receiving the reports of the Sea Trout Action Group, the Sea Trout Scientific Working Group and the Irish Salmon Growers' Association, my Department have been examining the practical recommendations of all the groups concerned. The objective is to identify the steps which should be taken for this year in order to enhance the measures put in place in 1991.

The various recommendations of STAG, of the Sea Trout Working Group and of the Irish Salmon Growers' Association can be categorised under these headings: research, conservation, and sea lice control.