Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 5

Written Answers. - Aquaculture Licences.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

101 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the meetings, if any, which have taken place between his Department and the Aqua culture Appeals Board; the purpose of these meetings; the outcome, if any in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4726/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

Senior officials of my Department met the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, shortly after its appointment in 1998 to brief the board on aquaculture policy and licensing issues.

A further meeting took place at the end of last month, to advise the board of developments in policy and arrangements for monitoring of licensed operations and for necessary follow-up action to be taken in the light of the results of such monitoring. These developments will be reflected in licence conditions. The particular attention of the board was drawn to the need for it to determine appeals against licensing decisions within a reasonable timescale. Approval had already been given to the board for the engagement of additional persons to assist it in its work. The opportunity was also taken at the meeting to agree improvements by my Department in the documentation supplied to the board in relation to licensing decisions appealed.