Vol. 482 No. 7
37 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of applications for fish farming licences currently awaiting decision in his Department; when he intends to commence the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997; when he intends to appoint the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19026/97]
There are approximately 600 applications for aquaculture licences with my Department. These range from substantive applications to expressions of interest. Priority is being given at present to the task of commencing the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 as the key mechanism to underpin the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, having regard for the needs of other users of the marine resource.
The Department is concentrating resources on the task of progressing the necessary regulations and other preparatory work needed for commencement.
The objective is to commence the Act as a matter of urgency. Most immediately the Department is progressing those provisions which will enable applications to be considered, the chairperson and members of the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board to be appointed and licence applications to be determined by the licensing authority.
