Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if more than 800 tons of mussel seed have been transferred under authorisation from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle; and if so, the reason and the basis on which the licence to do so was granted. [31108/06]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the requirements of EU regulations, under Irish legislation, measures are in place, which provide for the control of movements of shellfish from bays around the coast. Following the detection of bonamia ostrea in Lough Foyle last year, specific controls were put in place on movements of shellfish from the lough by SI 500 of 2005. In addition, a comprehensive range of guidelines, drawn up by this Department working with the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Northern Ireland, the Marine Institute and the Loughs Agency, has been put in place in respect of shellfish operations in Lough Foyle, following the detection of bonamia ostrea in the Lough. A copy of the guidelines was circulated to all operators on the 28th of July 2005 to help prevent the spread of the parasite. Operators have been strongly advised to adhere to these guidelines.

On 27 February 2006 a movement licence was issued by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, to move 850 tonnes of mussel seed from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle. The period of the licence was February 20 th 2006 to April 30th 2006. This is the only licence issued for a movement of mussel seed from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle by the Department to date, in 2006.