As I have informed the House previously, the French authorities initiated a health alert last January arising from two apparent outbreaks of illness in September 1998. These events were allegedly associated with the consumption of mussels exported from Ireland. My Department, in co-operation with the other relevant State agencies, has pursued this matter vigorously with the French authorities and the European Commission to establish conclusively the association, if any, of Irish mussels with the alleged outbreaks of illness. Despite numerous requests, there was a considerable delay in the provision by the French authorities of an epidemiological report on the reported events of September 1998.
A brief epidemiological report was received at the end of June. I am advised, however, that it gives insufficient data in relation to the alleged incidents. My Department is, therefore, pressing for more comprehensive information which would allow definite conclusions to be drawn in relation to the reported outbreaks of illness. I would like to assure the Deputy that contact will be maintained at all appropriate levels with the French authorities until this matter has been definitively and satisfactorily resolved.