Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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510. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason high levels of microplastics found in farmed shellfish here would be different from that farmed in the UK in view of surveys showing high levels of microplastics in shellfish farmed in the UK; and if he will suspend the licensing of shellfish aquaculture here pending further studies. [43801/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is advised by the Marine Institute that while it is clear from several studies that micro-plastics are present in the environment and can be filtered by bivalve shellfish, there is little evidence on the impact to human health of such micro-plastic pollution.

Applications for aquaculture licences are considered by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation.

The licensing process includes a period of statutory and general public consultation in respect of applications and licensing decisions are made following the fullest consideration of all aspects of each application including environmental, technical and public interest aspects.