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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 8

Written Answers. - Bantry Bay Shellfish Industry.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

24 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine whether, in view of the importance of the shellfish industry in the Bantry Bay area, he will indicate his intentions regarding the establishment of a modern research centre with laboratory facilities in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am fully aware of the importance of the shellfish industry in the Bantry Bay area. It accounts for a significant proportion of the output from the Irish shellfish sector as a whole.

It is a major objective of my Department to support the shellfish industry generally by the implementation of programmes designed to ensure that consumers are assured of the highest quality standards in the industry and, in particular, that any risks of illness from consuming shellfish are minimised.

As the Deputy is probably aware there is a significant risk of illness from eating contaminated mussels. To protect consumers and markets the most stringent controls must be applied. Since my Department initiated the shellfish monitoring programme in 1984, there have been no reported cases of related human illness due to DSP (Diarrhoetic Shellfish Poisoning) despite high levels of the organism which gave rise to DSP being recorded in the waters in the south west in 1984, 1987, 1988 and 1990. Additional results of this policy are that the reputation of Irish mussels is excellent and the growers accordingly command the highest prices. This programme has been highly successful and it depends for its success on taking no risks that contaminated fish products should be put on the market for human consumption.

I am of course concerned that these programmes be administered and organised on an effective and cost efficient basis from both the perspective of the Department and the industry as a whole. In this regard and taking account of the experience of recent years, I am at present considering options to further improve the testing programme. These options include the appointment of regional stations which could carry out the tests to prescribed standards under the auspices of my Department. Responsibility for additional costs associated with this option would have to be worked out. I have instructed my Department to bring forward proposals in this regard as a priority matter.

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