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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Mussel Farming.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Ceist:

140 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has confidence in the biotoxin testing programme presently in operation in relation to mussel farming at Castlemaine Harbour, County Kerry; when the present testing procedure commenced; the other EU countries which operate a similar testing programme; the proposals he has to compensate mussel fishermen who have had no income since September 2000; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship which is being felt by these fishermen and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27680/00]

Sampling and testing of shellfish is conducted in shellfish production areas around the coast including Castlemaine under the national biotoxin monitoring programme. The programme has been comprehensively reviewed in recent months and is being further reinforced in a range of key respects. This will ensure that the programme can deliver effectively on its dual mandates of protecting public health and safeguarding the position of the Irish shellfish industry, by ensuring that shellfish placed on the market comply with the highest standards.

Member states are obliged to have in place a biotoxins testing programme which conforms to the requirements of EU directives on the health conditions for the production and placing on the market of live bivalve molluscs.
I am conscious of the difficulties faced by shellfish producers in consequence of the prolonged incidence of biotoxin contamination of shellfish this year. My Department is working closely with BIM, the Marine Institute and the Food Safety Authority as well as the industry itself on the necessary strategies to meet the difficulties being encountered.
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