Seanad Éireann debate -
Friday, 18 Dec 1998

Vol. 157 No. 18

Fisheries and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill, 1998: Committee and Remaining Stages.

Sections 1 and 2 agreed to.

SECTION 3.

Question proposed: "That section 3 stand part of the Bill."

Mrs. A. Doyle

Section 3(2)(a) states "the Minister shall, as soon as practicable, issue a draft aquaculture licence to the licensee concerned". That refers to where a foreshore licence is deemed to be an aquaculture licence. Is this not a lawyer's charter? If the foreshore licence is deemed to be an aquaculture licence under subsection (1), why should anyone bother getting an official aquaculture licence? They can assume they have it. I know the Minister shall have to initiate the issuing of the formal aquaculture licence but there is no benefit from the point of view of the aquaculturalist in pursuing the matter any further. If the foreshore licence has been deemed to be an aquaculture licence, he effectively has an aquaculture licence. Is this area a bit confused? Given the pressures on Departments and Ministers, I could imagine nine out of ten aquaculture licences arising from foreshore licences will be left like that and not proceeded with any further. Is there concern about this?

Also, I am unclear whether there is a difference between a fish culture licence and an aquaculture licence and whether we should be worried about this. Both terms are used.

Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Byrne)

On the second question, I understand "fish culture" was the term used in the past and "aquaculture" has subsumed that and "mariculture". On the first point, we are anxious to accommodate everyone, including those who may have an interest outside that of the aquaculturalist. Obviously we are trying to accommodate the aquaculturalist. The aquaculturalist is satisfied that the public has the opportunity of making its concerns known and that is why the delay is there. There is a difference between the foreshore and aquaculture licences. It provides the general public with the opportunity to have their say. We need to bring everybody on board if the aquaculture industry is to survive. In the past we have had difficulties, and I am sure we will have them in the future. However we want to accommodate, consult and allow everybody to become involved if they wish.

Mrs. A. Doyle

Am I correct in thinking that where there are objections, they are more likely to become involved in this procedure? When there are no objections or concerns, the foreshore licence will effectively act as an aquaculture licence until it is regularised.

Mr. Byrne

It will follow on.

Question put and agreed to.

SECTION 4.

Question proposed: "That section 4 stand part of the Bill."

Mrs. A. Doyle

Is an aquaculture licence attached to the site or the person, that is, the aquaculturalist? Can it be traded? Will it become a tradable asset like a milk quota? What vista is opening up in this area?

Mr. Byrne

It is attached to the site and the person. If the person with the aquaculture licence decides to pass it on, he can do so only with the consent of the Department.

Question put and agreed to.

Sections 5 to 7, inclusive, agreed to.

Title agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.