Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
711. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the organisation or body that is responsible for overseeing standards and quality in brown crab for sale in Ireland and overseas; the way these standards are enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54261/21]
View answerThe Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent statutory body which has responsibility for seafood safety controls and the enforcement of seafood safety law, both of national and EU legislation that deals with health conditions for the production and placing on the market of fish, shellfish and fisheries products.
As the competent authority for the export certification of Irish seafood, the SFPA issues health certificates for consignments of live crab and other seafood exports in line with official controls for exports to third countries.
I should advise the Deputy that I am precluded by Statute from interfering in the performance by the SFPA of a function assigned to it or exercising any power or control in relation to individual or groups of cases with which the Authority may be concerned.
