Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
713. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are restrictions in place on the amount of seaweed that may be harvested; if there are particular times that harvesting is not allowed; if a license is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5424/13]
View answerMy Department is responsible for licensing the cultivation of aquatic plants such as seaweed under the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997. My Department is also responsible for licensing the harvesting of seaweed to be used wholly or primarily for fishing or aquaculture related purposes under the provisions of the Foreshore Act 1933.
Applications are assessed by reference to scientific, technical and environmental considerations which will vary depending on the circumstances of each application.
Licensing in relation to the harvesting of seaweed for all other purposes is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
