Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the compensation package in place following the precautionary closure of Kenmare Bay, due to toxins being found in Bantry Bay recently; if toxins were found in Kenmare Bay and shellfish had to be destroyed under the food health directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13618/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Seafood safety is a matter in the first instance for the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. The Marine Institute, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, and Food Safety Authority in conjunction with the shellfish industry maintain programmes monitoring phytoplankton in Irish waters, in addition to toxins in Irish shellfish.

I understand from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority that high levels of pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring phytoplankton, were detected in south-west waters over the past few weeks. Following consultation between the Marine Institute and Sea Fisheries Protection Authority a decision to close both Bantry Bay and Kenmare Bay was made by the Authority on 13 March 2009. Further mussel samples from Kenmare Bay were analysed by the Marine Institute on Monday 16th March following which Kenmare Bay was re-opened. There is no statutory provision for the payment of compensation in such circumstances.