Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004
99 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing unauthorised movement of mussel seed and mature mussels from the public fishery area of Carlingford Lough; the measures he is proposing to take to end this illegal movement; when these measures will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9473/04]
View answerThe State operates a system whereby all movements of bivalve molluscs, including mussels, for relaying purposes, must be authorised with a view to the control of animal disease and the protection of human health. My Department has been informed of allegations of unauthorised movement of mussel seed and mature mussels from the public fishery in Carlingford Lough.
As the Deputy will appreciate, allegations of this nature, and the background which gave rise to them, require full investigation. My Department is currently carrying out this investigation.
