Vol. 542 No. 3
63 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number of task forces or special committees set up in his Department since 1997; the date they were established; the terms of reference of each; if they have reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24483/01]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
Department of the Marine and Natural Resources
Task Forces and Working Groups set up since 1997
|
Task Force/Working Groups |
Terms of Reference |
DateEstablished |
Position Regarding Report |
|
1. Petroleum Affairs Advisory Groups |
Three groups were established. Two of these groups will advise on the selection of proposals for funding under the Petroleum Infrastructure Programme. The final group will assist in reviewing and updating the safety measures and procedures in place for hydrocarbon exploration and production activities |
Late 1998. |
No reports will be published. |
|
2. The Aquaculture Forum. |
The Forum was set up to enhance communication between the aquaculture industry, the Department and the State Agencies. |
26 February 1998. |
This work is ongoing and does not involve the presentation of findings. |
|
3. Review Group on Forestry Legislation. |
The Group was established to review current legislation with a view to establishing a modern legislative framework for the development of a sustainable and high quality forestry sector. |
June 1998. |
The work of the Group is ongoing and no report has been published to date. |
|
4. Forestry Education and Training Committee. |
1. To assist in achieving the training and educational objectives outlined in ‘Growing for the Future', the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland.2. To consider a training strategy in line with the final report of the Liaison Group on Education and Training in the Forestry Industry.3. To identify current and future skill requirements for the sector.4. To develop a National Certification scheme.5. To make recommendation as appropriate. |
June 2000 |
Report being prepared. |
|
5. Interdepartmental Working Group to review the safety regulation of Adventure/Activity Centres in Ireland. |
1. To review participation in Ireland in commercially and VEC run adventure centres, analysing such participation in terms of specified activities undertaken, numbers of participants in terms of specified activities undertaken, ages of participants in those activities etc.2. To identify and assess current arrangements for ensuring the safety of participants in these centres. |
26 March 1999. |
Report was presented to the Minister and published in June 1999. |
|
Task Force/Working Groups |
Terms of Reference |
DateEstablished |
Position Regarding Report |
|
3. To examine models for addressing safety concerns (including regulation as operates in the UK) in respect of these centres in other countries.4. To consult fully with relevant interests in Ireland in progressing No 1. |
|||
|
6. Focus Group to identify and examine the options for the future of the replica famine vessel Jeanie Johnston and to report to the Minister on a long-term strategy for the vessel. |
1. To examine, in the light of the conditions attaching to the public investment to date, all possible uses and roles for the Jeanie Johnston project having regard to:-the need to maintain its heritage status and value.-the need to recognise its north/south dimension.-the need to ensure that it does not continue to be a burden on the Exchequer.-the proposal that the vessel undertake a transatlantic voyage.2. To assess commercial opportunities such as leasing, renting to commercial users as commercial promotional platforms etc. with a view to maximising a commercial contribution to its operations.3. To draw up ownership and management models, based on experience elsewhere, to deliver on the above, including cost minimisation. |
5 July 2001. |
It is envisaged that the Group will report to the Minister shortly. |
|
7. Task Force on the Dumping of Radioactive Materials in the Maritime Area. |
To review and assess the information becoming available on the dumping of radioactive materials in the maritime area and based on this review, to advise on survey/monitoring and management measures so as to ensure maximum protection for our marine resources and restore public confidence in the quality of the marine environment. |
10 July 1997. |
Final report was presented to the Minister, December 1999. |
|
8. Seafood Industry Foresight Group. |
To review and assess developmental options and opportunities for the Irish Seafood Industry in the period to 2010 |
March 2001. |
A deadline has not been set for the presentation of the Group's findings. |
|
9. Seafood Technology Service Assessment Group. |
To identify the need for a National Seafood Technology Service to assist all sectors of the industry. |
June 2001. |
The group hopes to report its findings to the Minister as soon as possible. |
|
10. Task Force on Management and Marketing of Herring. |
To assess the management and marketing of herring with the objective of maximising the returns for the catching, processing and exporting sectors of the Irish Fishing Industry. |
November 1997 |
The Task Force published its report ‘Strategies for Change in the Irish Herring Industry' in March 1999. |
|
11. North West Pelagic Group. |
To assess and assist the development of the short to medium term industry led strategies in order to maximise returns for catchers and processors from available/potential pelagic resources in the North West. |
12 May 2000. |
The Group published its report in November 2000. |
|
12. National Strategy Review Group on the Common Fisheries Policy. |
To develop National Strategies for the review of the Common Fisheries Policy which is to be completed by 2002 |
23 December 1998. |
The Group's overall publication ‘Proposals and Recommendations for the Review of the CFP 2002' – was published in November 2000. |
|
13. Task Force on Training and Employment in the Fishing Industry. |
To examine and advise on the factors impacting on the creation and maintenance of employment in the sea going and land based elements of the sea fishing and aquaculture industries. |
14 September 1999. |
The Task Force published its report in February 2001. |
|
14. National Seaweed Forum. |
The Forum was established to identify how the seaweed sector can be developed to maximise its contribution to the national and local economies and to the income of people in coastal communities. |
22 October 1999. |
The Forum's Report was presented to the Minister in November 2000. |
|
Task Force/Working Groups |
Terms of Reference |
DateEstablished |
Position Regarding Report |
|
15. Review Group to consider the future management of the five Fishery Harbour Centres. |
To recommend on reviewed management structures for the Fishery Harbour Centres owned and operated by DMNR. |
14 March 2001. |
This report is expected to be published in early 2002. |
|
16. Sea Trout Review Group. |
1. Undertake a communications programme in conjunction with the Marine Institute on the operation of the sea lice management regime.2. Review and quantify the current status of sea trout stocks on a National basis. Identify and address deficiencies in data and data collection and reporting.3. Examine the operation and management of fish counters and traps on key sea trout catchments and make recommendations for their future management and development. Consider ways in which local aquaculture operators and sport fishery operators can liaise and co-operate together on an ongoing basis through the linking of the local CLAMS and catchment management process, and establish a pilot project to further this objective. |
May 2001. |
It is expected that the Group will furnish its report at the end of 2001. |
|
17. Implementation Group on the Report of the Fishing Vessel Safety Review Group. |
The Implementation Group works on the basis of the 63 recommendations made in the Report of the Fishing Vessel Safety Review Group (1996). |
February 1999. |
The work is ongoing. No final report is envisaged. |
|
18. Ministerial Task Force on Transport Logistics in connection with ports. |
Examine and report on:1. The prospects for increasing the volume of port traffic which is transported by rail and the transfer of port generated freight traffic from road to rail including the development of rail head facilities at existing ports;2. The prospects of the transport of freight by night/off peak;3. Opportunities for traffic diversion including by rail, by pipeline, and to other less congested ports outside Dublin. |
27 March 2001. |
This report is expected to be published at the end of 2001. |
|
19. Task Force on the Development of Port Estates in Commercial Harbours. |
Examine and report on:-the property base;-leases extant and the possibility of re-acquisition/reversion (Section 157 (2) Harbours Act 1946 refers));-the ports authorities' plans for the future including the potential for imaginative use of available port estates; optimal development of facilities (including multi-user facilities) to create capital for investment in port-related activity or income streams to support port operation; reclamation opportunities to underpin the creation of development opportunities for port-related or other beneficial purposes; the scope for public private partnership venture option; and development of State foreshore within or adjoining the jurisdiction of the port to generate capital funding for port investment. |
28 February2001. |
This report is expected to be published at the end of 2001. |
