Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1420. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding oyster licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21445/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has been advised by the Marine Institute (MI) that oyster production in the Cromane production area of Castlemaine Harbour, Co. Kerry was subject to a temporary closure for a short period from 3 July to 13 August for the harvesting and placing of oysters onto the market for human consumption, due to the presence of a group of naturally occurring toxins which result in the human illness Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

These toxins were detected in oysters from Cromane during routine surveillance testing by the MI, which tests shellfish and water samples from all aquaculture producing areas around the Irish coastline on a weekly basis to ensure they are safe for consumption and protect the consumer. From 13 August, the whole Castlemaine production area was assigned an open status for the harvesting of mussels and oysters.

Prior, during and after the closure period, the MI was in regular contact with the shellfish producers in the area and had extensive communications, including a specific webinar on 20 July, with the shellfish industry, regulatory competent authorities and all the relevant stakeholders. On-going weekly test results from toxin testing in the shellfish programme are publicly available on the MI website, and the MI laboratories continue to provide rigorous on-going monitoring to ensure concentrations are below regulatory levels and are compliant, providing continuous support to the Irish aquaculture industry, enhancing the reputation of Irish shellfish, both at home and internationally, whilst ensuring that consumer safety remains of paramount importance.