Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
409. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposed expenditure on developing the marine salmon farming industry directly and indirectly under the national strategic plan for aquaculture development; and the specific development targets planned as a result of the proposed expenditure, including expected timescales. [29120/15]
View answerIreland’s draft National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development along with its accompanying environmental reports is currently undergoing public consultation until 24 July. The draft Plan proposes a number of measures to develop the sector in keeping with the requirements set down in the Common Fisheries Policy and subsequent guidance from the EU Commission. Funding for these measures will be supported through the Seafood Development Programme. The Seafood Development Programme, having undergone public consultation and environmental assessment, has been submitted to the EU Commission for adoption and over the coming months a negotiation process will proceed between my Department and Commission officials with a view to agreeing a final document by the end of 2015 to allow full implementation to begin in 2016. I do not wish to compromise the ongoing consultation and the forthcoming negotiation processes by commenting on proposed expenditure for developing the aquaculture sector.
