Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014
232. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a meeting took place recently between him and the CEO of a company (details supplied); if a meeting took place, the political representatives from Ireland and any other jurisdiction who attended; the officials that attended; if minutes were taken; the persons that requested this meeting; when it was arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10289/14]
View answerOn 30 January I met with representatives of the company referred to by the Deputy. The meeting was chaired by an Taoiseach, Minister of State McGinley and Deputy Joe McHugh were also present. Officials from the Department of the Taoiseach and my Department were also in attendance. The meeting was held at the request of the company to discuss licensing and industry development issues associated with the company’s operations in Ireland.
The Deputy may wish to be aware, that as is appropriate, it was explained from the outset that the application in respect of a deep sea aquaculture facility in Galway Bay, or any other application submitted to my Department for consideration could not be discussed in detail in view of the statutory basis of the assessment process.
There is always a strict separation between my Ministerial role as decision maker in respect of aquaculture licence applications and my Ministerial duty to promote the sustainable development of the industry. This separation of duties is always strictly observed.
