asked the Minister for the Marine the number of State agencies which are either themselves directly involved in, or have plans to become involved in, fish farming or have invested in firms involved in fish farming; and his views on whether a wide dispersal of expertise in this area is a wise policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Farming.
4.
There are five agencies involved in a significant way in fish farming.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Údarás na Gaeltachta, as part of their general Gaeltacht development remit, are directly involved in the encouragement of aquaculture through grants and in the case of Údarás through shareholding.
The ESB, utilising their expertise deriving from management of hydro schemes have invested directly in salmon farming. The National Development Corporation have provided venture capital for aquaculture projects. The Irish National Petroleum Corporation have made facilities at Whiddy Island available for experimentation with Norwegian partners in land based salmon farming.
I do not see this involvement in a complex multi-faceted industry like aquaculture as a problem. I am making arrangements to manage and co-ordinate the efforts of all those involved so as to avoid duplication and to ensure that the expertise is applied in such a way as to guarantee that the contribution which this important and growing sector can make to national output, employment and exports is maximised.
I intend to formalise a structure to ensure that the key State agencies involved operate in tandem under the auspices of my Department and I expect to be in a position shortly to announce the details.
I should like to welcome the Minister's statement. The purpose of my question was to get the Minister to do what he has just announced, to ensure that there would be a formalised system of consultation. May I take it that the Minister agrees with me that having five separate agencies potentially going their separate ways in regard to a matter which is extremely market sensitive is not wise and that there should be co-ordination?
I accept that there should be co-ordination but I am sure the Deputy is aware that we propose to announce plans, before Christmas we hope, or, if not, immediately after Christmas. I should like to tell the Deputy that this did not come about as a result of his question. Quite a lot of work has been put into this since we took office on 10 March last and since the Department of the Marine were established. I am pleased that there has been a welcome for this from the Opposition.