Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans regarding the opening of new fishery sites for razor and clams; the procedures that will have to be undertaken before a new site can be opened for harvesting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13445/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The fishing industry identify fishing grounds and fishing opportunities in respect of stocks not subject to EU Total Allowable Catch and quotas, on a regular basis. I have no role in identifying new sites for razor clam fisheries, or indeed fisheries for any other fish species.

In order to fish for razor clams, a vessel must be registered in the polyvalent or specific segments of the fleet. Generally speaking, no additional consents are required from my Department at this time, though regulations may be introduced, as necessary, to ensure the conservation and rational exploitation of the stock or compliance with EU law. Certain regulations apply at present in relation to fishing for razor clams in Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford and in the area of Cahore, Co Wexford. Regulations may also be introduced, as necessary, to protect designated habitats and species in Natura 2000 sites. Such regulations apply at present in relation to fishing for razor clams in Dundalk Bay, Co Louth.

Under European food safety law, harvesting of shellfish for placing on the market must only take place from classified production areas. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority is the Competent Authority under Irish and European Food Safety legislation for the classification of live bivalve mollusc production areas. I have no role in relation to this process and, by law, the SFPA is independent in the performance of its functions. I have forwarded this question to the SFPA for direct reply in relation to this issue.