Vol. 422 No. 1
41 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if he has received the recent ESRI Review of the Irish Aquaculture Sector and recommendations for its development; if he will outline his response to the review; if he intends to implement its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I received the ESRI Review of the Irish Aquaculture Sector in late May.
I welcome the publication of this report which is a wide ranging and timely review of all aspects of the Irish aquaculture industry. I am particularly pleased that the authors have highlighted the major contribution which aquaculture makes to economic development and job creation in coastal regions.
A detailed examination of the analysis, conclusions and recommendations of the report is now being undertaken by my Department.
The report will help with the ongoing process of consultation by my Department with the State Agencies, the industry and other interested parties on strategies for continued development to maximise the potential of the aquaculture sector for creating new jobs and revenue.
The industry has developed from small beginnings in the early 1980's to a production level of close to 30,000 tonnes valued at £40 million a year to the economy. There are now over 2,500 full time and part time jobs in the sector with indirect employment gains in related service industries. The ESRI report is a positive endorsement of those achievements to date.
I particularly welcome the potential for extra jobs which has been identified in this sector of the fishing industry. The prospect of up to 1,000 extra people in employment is a development which will have my full and urgent support.
