Vol. 402 No. 5
77 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the effects of dumping by Canada on the European market of surplus shellfish such as lobster; and if he has taken any steps to express his concern at the effect this will have on the income of coastal fishermen.
The importation of live lobsters into Ireland is prohibited because of a desire to maintain native stocks of lobster free of disease.
The situation to which the Deputy refers in his question arises primarily as a result of restrictions placed by the US authorities on the importation of certain size-categories of lobster into the US. This has led Canadian producers to divert much of their produce to the European market.
I have asked BIM to investigate this matter and they have indicated that the import of Canadian lobsters into Europe is not having a significant effect on the Irish market.
