asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will examine, in any review of overall industrial policy, the area of mariculture as a potential source of employment; and if he will state, in view of the number of State agencies currently involved in mariculture, whether rationalisation proposals will be considered with a view to allocating responsibility for the development of the area to one single body.
Written Answers. - Mariculture Development.
180.
Three bodies concerned with aspects of mariculture are under the aegis of my Department. These are the National Board for Science and Technology, who are primarily concerned with research; the Industriat Development Authority, who give certain grants related to processing and the ESB which, arising from its hydro-generating operations, is involved in fish rearing and related activities.
The development of the mariculture industry as a potential source of employment is being examined in detail by a consultative committee on the fishing industry set up by the sectoral development committee. Some draft proposals in relation to this matter have already been formulated by the committee in consultation with the industry. This process of consultation included a seminar to consult industrial interests which was held in Galway on 22 October last. The committee are also developing proposals in regard to the rationalisation of the present distribution of responsibilities for the development of this industry.