Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Fishing Industry: Discussion

5:00 pm

Dr. Susan Steele:

We are the guardians of the fish and the shellfish, and the seafood safety, and the reputation of Ireland. We cover a lot but, unfortunately, not that role. If there is a designated shellfish area, we would work with the Marine Institute in designating shellfish areas, in taking the shellfish samples and in taking water samples.

As to whether we go after the person who lowers the quality of the water in the area, that does not come under our remit. I will hand over to Mr. O'Mahony, if he wants to elaborate.