I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 101 together.
I am fully aware of the importance of Roaringwater Bay as a shellfish growing area and of the considerable potential which exists for further development of the sector in the area. I am confident that through the provision by BIM of financial and technical services together with the provision of support in the marketing area, further investment, additional employment opportunities and further growth in output can be achieved in the sector.
In accordance with the terms of EC Directive 91/492 on the health conditions for the production and placing on the market of live bivalve molluscs, due to come into effect on 1 January next, a shellfish sampling programme is being undertaken by my Department with a view to finalisation, by December, of the classification of all areas, including Roaringwater Bay for shellfish culture.