Vol. 493 No. 4
29 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to claims that lobsters in the Irish Sea are 42 times more radioactive than EU guidelines allow after a nuclear accident; if he has satisfied himself with the safety level of fish and marine life in the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16073/98]
Irish fish and fish products, including lobster, from the marine environment including the Irish Sea are subjected to a wide range of regular tests carried out by, or on behalf of, my Department. Regular sampling and testing for chemicals and heavy metal residues is carried out by the Marine Institute and by a number of analytical laboratories around the country.
Fish and shellfish, and in particular landings from the Irish Sea, are regularly sampled and tested by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. The results of their monitoring, which are regularly published, show that the consumption of fish or shellfish, including lobsters, does not give rise to any concerns which would be significant for public health in Ireland. Nevertheless, we need to be constantly vigilant. I can assure the House that the situation will continue to be monitored rigorously, and that there will be no relaxation in the efforts of this Government to monitor and bring about substantial improvements in the Irish Sea marine environment.
