We are trying to facilitate the Minister in expediting the passage of the Bill this week. I have held discussions with the fish farming section of the IFA and Mr. Pat Ridge of BIM who stressed the urgency of passing this legislation. I thank Mr. Tom Parlon for advising us on this matter, although it may have been somewhat late in the day.
Many of those engaged in the industry cannot operate on a legitimate footing with financial institutions until such time as they have a licence and they are concerned that grants from BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta have been delayed. Is it the Minister's intention to issue the 90 licences in question before Christmas or immediately after it? Will the passing of this legislation assist in expediting outstanding grant payments from BIM and Údarás na Gaeltachta to clients?