Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the interpretation of EU Directives is posing a threat to the future of mussel fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11911/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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It is part of my role as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to support the sustainable development of the mussel fishing industry which is important to many coastal communities. At all times in my actions as Minister I am bound by national and EU law and in particular by the judgements made by the European Court of Justice.

In December 2007, the European Court of Justice found that Ireland was not in compliance with the Birds Directive in relation to aquaculture developments. This judgement also had similar implications for the wild fisheries. In essence, the judgement was saying that an 'appropriate assessment' must be undertaken before aquaculture/fishing activities can be undertaken in any site identified as a Natura site under the Birds and Habitats Directives where they are likely to have a significant effect on the site. Over the past year, my Department in cooperation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government have been in negotiations with the European Commission on how we can work towards full compliance. A Roadmap document which I am currently finalising with my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government will be presented to the European Commission in the very near future. I am hopeful that with the Commission's agreement we can adopt an approach that leads to full compliance with the Birds and Habitats Directives while providing for the sustainable development of the fishing and aquaculture industries.