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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Mar 1988

Vol. 378 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Fish Farming.

8.

asked the Minister for the Marine the total number of persons employed in fish farming in the State; the plans, if any, the Government have for the expansion and development of this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There are at present 330 full-time and 1,040 part-time workers engaged in aquaculture. In conjunction with my Department, BIM is working on plans for the development of the industry over the coming years and it is expected that by 1991 the numbers employed will be 1,100 full-time and 2,300 part-time. A strategy to underpin this development of the aquaculture industry has recently been approved by the Government which covers the allocation of functions and responsibilities of the various agencies involved in aquaculture — my Department, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Udarás na Gaeltachta, the reconstituted fisheries boards, and the proposed Marine Institute.

The strategy provides that my Department will have responsibility for overall policy, planning licensing and the co-ordination of the activities of all the other agencies and a committee structure is being established to facilitate those tasks. A small management committee has already been established comprising representatives from my Department, BIM, Údarás and Roinn na Gaeltachta. Among its tasks will be the co-ordination of State funding for aquaculture projects so as to optimise the returns in terms of employment and output. Another new feature is the establishment of an advisory committee which will represent all the major interests in the aquaculture industry and will improve communications and the flow of ideas on the best means for securing the development of the industry.

In view of the scale of the investment necessary to maximise jobs in the aquaculture area, there is need for active State investment to give a lead in this industry. Given the history of involvement of State and semi-State bodies in fish farming to date — for example, the ESB who were the single biggest fish farmer for a long time, the Central Fisheries Board and other agencies — have the Government any plans for borrowing abroad, if necessary, and the investment of State money in the development and leadership of this industry?

The Government are anxious that there be the maximum investment in this area. In order to ensure that we can avail of FEOGA grants — a matter for another question — we are providing the minimum State assistance so that there will be an equitable distribution of this money across the board and to maximise the grants available from the Community.

In view of the fact that Údarás na Gaeltachta had a major impact in the pioneering development of much of the work in fish farming in recent years, and because Údarás na Gaeltachta have to develop natural resources if they are to create jobs, what is the Government's role for Údarás na Gaeltachta in terms of the strategy recently approved for fish farming development? I am sure the Minister knows exactly what I am speaking about.

Údarás na Gaeltachta will play a very active part. We have ensured that they will be very much a part of the management team which will meet often, possibly on a monthly basis, to assess on an ongoing basis the development of aquaculture. They will also give their assessment on applications for grant aid, whether inside or outside the Gaeltacht. The Deputy will fully appreciate the work Údarás na Gaeltachta have done in the development of aquaculture in the Gaeltacht areas. We want to capitalise on the data they have garnered over the years and which will be part and parcel of the scheme.

I might put two brief questions to the Minister. Do the plans the Government have for expansion and development of this sector include increasing the manpower resources of the fisheries research centre? Would the Minister accept that, because of undermanning at the scientific research level, we are inhibiting the growth of this sector at present? Can I take it from the Minister's initial response to this question that he is rationalising the whole procedure in relation to designation and distribution of agricultural licences? Within that — if my assumption is correct — can he indicate how he will cope with the competing demands for water usage from the different sectoral interests — including local authorities — sewage disposal, yachting, aquaculture and the various other areas where there are difficulties in ascertaining who comes where and what is the order of priorities for competing demands on water usage?

I might answer the Deputy's question in reverse order. I am very aware of the necessity to protect these waters for amentity purposes. I have always said — and am on record both in Government and Opposition as saying — that the traditional right of sea harvesters must be protected together with the protection of amenity facilities and, of course, navigational and shipping lines. There is an opportunity afforded, when any area is to be designated when there may be a public inquiry held, to have any objections lodged, when all of these factors are taken into consideration. To date there have been no difficulties encountered. However, I can accept the point made by Deputy Doyle. I can foresee difficulties arising further down the road. We will ensure that we take all of these factors into consideration before a definite decision is taken. In relation to the fisheries research centre, I cannot go along with the Deputy's contention that it is under-staffed. I believe that the staff at the centre are able to cope adequately. However, I should say that the legislation in respect of the establishment of the marine institute is at an advanced stage. All of the various strands will be weaved together into that institute and all of these matters will be carefully examined. If the Deputy wants to bring any specific queries to my notice, I will be only too pleased to have them investigated.

I should remind the Minister that all that glistens is not gold. Would the Minister inform the House what steps his Department are taking about pollution at these mariculture cages around the country, particularly in view of the fact that Mulroy Bay — in his constituency — is completely contaminated?

One hears something new every day. I always thought I was au fait with happenings in my constituency and county but I am not aware of that contamination. If Deputy Begley is that aware he should certainly bring the matter to my attention——

I have brought it to the Minister's attention.

——when I will have it investigated. I will not pre-empt the outcome of my investigations but I will be very surprised if what Deputy Begley says in relation to Donegal is found to be the case. Indeed I might thank him for having advised me of the matter.

Arising out of the comment of the Minister of State with regard to the strategy recently approved by the Government in relation to fish farming would he say if that means that approvals by Údarás na Gaeltachta in respect of fish farming development must be endorsed finally by the Department of the Marine before going ahead and if the Department of the Marine have overall responsibility for this development? In other words have Údarás na Gaeltachta authority to take decisions to give the goahead in respect of approved developments?

The answer is "yes". The recommendations of the committee, comprising representatives of the Department, An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the fisheries boards will come before the Minister. But I doubt very much that there would be any intention of nodding through any recommendations emanating from Údarás na Gaeltachta just for the sake of nodding them through. I fully appreciate the work done by Údarás na Gaeltachta over the years in the development of the aquaculture industry. If the Deputy has any fears I think I can allay them. Without prejudicing any discussions that might take place I should say I will be only too pleased to meet him to discuss these matters.

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