asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that there is an urgency about dealing with an application to his Department from West Mayo Fishing Co-operative, which would enable them to control oyster fishing in the area they have specified; and if he will take steps to ensure that this licence is granted immediately.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Oyster Fishing.
23.
Officials of my Department have recently been in touch with the co-operative regarding the application from the co-opertive for an aquaculture licence under section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, and the co-opertive are to forward further information and documentation.
The Deputy can be assured that this matter is being dealt with as quickly as possible.
Is the Minister aware that unless action is taken fairly quickly by his Department stocks may be wiped out? Because of the urgency of the matter, the co-operative are most anxious that an early decision should be arrived at.
I can assure the Deputy that there is one small matter which has to be clarified with the co-operative and, having cleared that, I will issue a temporary licence which will cover the danger he mentioned.
How many applications for aquaculture licences are before his Department?
That is a separate question.
Will the Minister tell the House the reason for the delay in dealing with applications for aquaculture licences and if it is not true that there is not——
This question deals with one item and the Deputy is broadening it. That is not fair when there is so little time left.
The question is relevant to the delay——
It is not relevant to this question.
The Mayo application, along with others, is being delayed because there is no full time official in the Department dealing with these licences. The matter is not getting priority. This is a national disgrace.
This question deals only with the Mayo application. Deputy Molloy should not argue with the Chair. I am calling Question No. 24.