Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's point. At face value, it appears illogical that our crab is purchased by other EU nations and resold. The integrity of our certification process is critical, not just to crab meat to China but to every other product we certify for markets all over the world. If we in any way diminish the standing of the certification process, there would be a domino effect. My officials are right to insist they stand over the certification process. Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal which is as prevalent in our crab meat as it is in French or UK crab. However, our certification process has an integrity on which we are not prepared to compromise. We are engaged in very complex, technical, scientific negotiations with the equivalent authorities in China on the matter. Last September I was in the room when the matter was raised with the Chinese authorities in the presence of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. While I cannot definitively say when the matter will be resolved, it will not be for want of commitment at all those levels to bring the matter to a successful conclusion.

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