Vol. 509 No. 5
30 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he received an epidemiological report from the French authorities following the two apparent outbreaks of DSP; and the follow-up action, if any, undertaken by his Department. [20743/99]
As I have informed the House previously, the French authorities initiated a health alert last January arising from two apparent outbreaks of illness in September 1998. These events were allegedly associated with the consumption of mussels exported from Ireland. My Department, in co-operation with the other relevant State agencies, has pursued this matter vigorously with the French authorities and the European Commission to establish conclusively the association, if any, of Irish mussels with the alleged outbreaks of illness. Despite numerous requests, there was a considerable delay in the provision by the French authorities of an epidemiological report on the reported events of September 1998.
A brief epidemiological report was received at the end of June. I am advised, however, that it gives insufficient data in relation to the alleged incidents. My Department is, therefore, pressing for more comprehensive information which would allow definite conclusions to be drawn in relation to the reported outbreaks of illness. I would like to assure the Deputy that contact will be maintained at all appropriate levels with the French authorities until this matter has been definitively and satisfactorily resolved.
Does the Minister agree it is amazing that we have had two alleged outbreaks of DSP as a result of alleged incidents involving Irish mussels as far back as September 1998? I received a reply on this matter on 23 June last in which the Minister stated that he was making vigorous requests of the French Government for a report on this alleged outbreak. Some 600 tonnes of mussels were locked up because of this alleged outbreak. Is it not deplorable that France, an EU member state, is allowing such disdain to prevail and is failing to produce an epidemiological report on this incident which dates back more than a year ago? The French authorities have acted disgracefully by bringing the credibility of the shellfish industry into disrepute. We are entitled to receive this report. Will the Minister quantify the loss to the shellfish industry as a result of these two alleged outbreaks which were supposed to have occurred in September 1998? Will the Minister impress on the French Embassy our entitlement to such a report?
It is difficult to disagree with anything the Deputy said. I assure him that if we do not receive the necessary and final information within one month, I will visit France to speak to my counterpart there. It is a very unsatisfactory situation. The Deputy asked me to quantify the losses. I cannot do so at this stage but I will certainly convey the information my Department has to the Deputy as soon as I can. I understand 230 tonnes of the withdrawn product were released for sale following testing. That means 350 tonnes remains, although some of it may have been destroyed. It is essential that we have the information as soon as possible to ensure we can make a final decision on this matter. It is the first item on the agenda of my meetings with my officials, who are vigorously following this up in Europe and France but, to date, to no avail. If nothing happens within one month, I will follow this matter up.
