Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
543. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commission an independent review of his Department's procedures for awarding organic status to all forms of aquaculture to ensure full compliance with all EU regulations and to enable persons to have confidence in his Department's procedures. [21641/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organic status of all aquaculture products is secured by a formal certification process delegated by my Department to various Organic Control Bodies in accordance with the relevant EU regulations. The certification process involves regular inspection of all organic operators, production techniques and sampling of organic produce to ensure compliance with all EU requirements. In addition, all Organic Control Bodies are independently accredited by the relevant accreditation body. On this basis, I am satisfied that an independent review is not necessary at this time.
