Michael Ring
Ceist:88 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will consider using the maritime invitro shellfish test (details supplied) as a rapid test kit for marine biotoxins found in shellfish. [28900/00]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.
I am advised that trials have been carried out in the UK and Canada on the test kit to which the Deputy refers, and that certain problems which make the kit unsuitable for routine use have come to light. Tests on an alternative version of the kit are currently being carried out in Scotland and Norway and the results are expected early next year.
The test kit is designed to detect only Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, PSP toxins and is unable to detect other types of toxins, including Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning, DSP, Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, ASP, and Azaspiracid Shellfish Poisoning, AZP toxins, which occur in shellfish in Ireland. Its usefulness as a test mechanism in the Irish context is, therefore, questionable.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:89 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consideration he has given to the application for funding which he received from the Shankill to Shankill Project which will link Shankill Road, Belfast, with Shankill, County Dublin; if he will make an allocation to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29000/00]
The Department's peace and reconciliation fund was established in 1982 to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and in developing a better understanding between people in both parts of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. Since its establishment, it has funded a variety of organisations which are working in the field of reconciliation, primarily between North and South but also those involved in Anglo-Irish reconciliation.
The Department welcomes applications from organisations which believe they may qualify for consideration under the criteria governing the fund. All applications are considered by an interdepartmental advisory committee on the basis of eligibility criteria which are available to applicants.
An official of my Department has already met staff from the Shankill to Shankill project to dis cuss their application. I understand that the application will be considered by the advisory committee when funding becomes available again in the New Year.
Question No. 90 withdrawn.