Dr. Cecil Beamish:

For many shellfish farmers, there would be a question of viability because of the costs that would arise if the changes were to be made.

The aquaculture appeals process has been mentioned. There is separate primary legislation governing the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board which is completely independent in its operation, as it should be. There was a period during which there were no licence applications and no appeals. There has been a period of growth and the current workload is being processed. There is no proposal to start a separate review of the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board. It might be premature to do so.

There has been discussion of the recent changes to the environmental impact statement directive. The changes are being considered and dealt with.

In the case of Lough Foyle, responsibility for product and food safety rests with the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority which has worked out arrangements to ensure the product generated from Lough Foyle which is marketed from Ireland goes through the necessary food safety mechanisms.