asked the Minister for the Marine whether he has satisfied himself with our present system of certifying oysters to be disease free for the export market, the consequences to the industry of the outbreak of bonamia ostrea which was discovered by French inspectors in oysters from Clew Bay, County Mayo but which were certified disease free; and the steps which will now be taken on the matter.
Written Answers. - Certification of Oysters.
22.
My Department's fish pathologist is in France at present investigating reports that the disease bonamia has been discovered in that country in a bulk consignment of oysters from Clew Bay. He will determine the precise status of reports received to date and will look at the methods employed by French scientists to detect the disease.
The immediate consequence to the industry is a ban on the import into France for relaying of Clew Bay oysters. Oysters can still, however, be exported to France for direct sale in baskets. The bonamia disease poses no threat to this form of export trade as the disease is not harmful to humans.
On foot of a report from the fish pathologist, I will consider any steps which may be necessary to improve and expand my Department's monitoring system and to prevent the spread of the disease.