Vol. 524 No. 2
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of fish processing plants; the degree to which a steady supply of fish is available to meet their requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22307/00]
There are 238 fish processing plants which are approved by my Department for the production of seafood products under EU health and hygiene regulations. There are also 90 plants similarly approved for the production of live bivalve molluscs. Some plants have dual approval.
The issue of consistent supply of quality raw material impacts mostly on the 238 plants involved in production of fishery products. These plants are largely supplied by landings of fresh fish into Irish ports and supply is affected by a number of factors such as quota, weather, seasonality and market prices.
My Department has commissioned an independent consultant to prepare an integrated strategy to enhance the profitability and performance of the seafood processing sector. The strategy will inform investment support strategies for the sector in the short to medium term. One of the critical issues being examined in this context is the consistency of raw material supply. I expect to receive the strategy document shortly.
