On the occasion of the publication of the task force report on 11 October last I announced that the report's findings and recommendations would be implemented in full. This process is now well under way. The report contains 13 recommendations which can broadly be categorised under three main headings: Emergency relief measures; new marine biotoxin action plan; consumer confidence.
Emergency relief measures
The main thrust of the task force report is aimed at putting in place measures to deal with naturally occurring biotoxin problems in the medium to long-term. The task force recognised, however, that the unprecedented toxicity problems which affected rope mussel producers, particularly in the south west in 1994, had a serious economic impact on growers and markets and that there was an urgent need in the short-term for emergency relief measures. As recommended by the task force a £100,000 emergency aid scheme has been approved to help restore industry confidence and protect employment. An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, which is administering the scheme has invited applications from affected producers, through advertisements in the specialist and regional press. The aid package is subject to EU approval which has been sought.
New Marine Biotoxin Action Plan
Key components of the plan include: