Vol. 568 No. 2
90 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has issued a response to the ultimatum from the EU Commission to designate coastal bays and estuaries as suitable for shellfish production by 17 April 2003; the main features of the response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15923/03]
Following a complaint from the EU Commission alleging, inter alia, failure by Ireland to designate shellfish growing waters in accordance with obligations under EU Council Directive 79/923/EEC on the quality of shellfish waters, my Department issued a formal response to the Commission in April 2003. The response advised that the Department will be addressing the issue of designation of all appropriate shellfish waters under the directive, the preparation of programmes in respect of further designations and the setting of values for specific parameters under the directive. These issues will be addressed in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and relevant agencies.
