Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
542. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the objective bias built into his Department's aquaculture licensing system at every stage applies to his Department's system for awarding organic status to farmed salmon. [21640/17]
View answerMarine aquaculture licence applications are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and the 1933 Foreshore Act. There is always a strict separation between my Ministerial role as decision maker in respect of aquaculture licence applications and my Ministerial duty to promote the sustainable development of the industry. This separation of duties is strictly observed.
As regards the award of organic status, this is secured by a formal certification process delegated by my Department to various Organic Control Bodies in accordance with the relevant EU regulations. The certification process involves regular inspection of all organic operators, production techniques and sampling of organic produce to ensure compliance with all EU requirements. In addition, all Organic Control Bodies are independently accredited by an external accreditation body.
