asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he has any proposals for the holding of inquiries for the determination of areas for the issue of aquaculture licences and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Aquaculture Licences.
18.
To date public inquiries have been held in nine areas with a view to designating them as areas within which it shall be lawful to engage in aquaculture subject to licence. In two of the nine areas designation orders have been made and the process of licensing has commenced. In the remaining seven areas consultations have been continuing with environmental and industry interests in order to reach agreement as to the extent to which aquaculture may proceed without conflict with these and other interests. A substantial measure of agreement has now been reached. I am hopeful that it will be possible soon to proceed with the designation of further areas for licensing.
A number of other suitable areas have been identified and I expect that, subject to consultation with other interests, preparations can be put in train at an early stage for the holding of public inquiries in these areas.
There is here a huge potential for jobs and revenue if the Minister would use some inititive to get these projects under way. What effort is the Minister now making to ensure some development in this whole area, which is in decline? For example, has the Minister any plans to establish an aquaculture unit within his Department to deal specifically with these applications?
We are awaiting the announcement of the White Paper on Fisheries which is expected within the next fortnight. Once that has been announced, then we shall set up a committee——
The Minister does not need any White Paper.
We are talking about policy. It is the job of the Government to examine policies and make certain recommendations. I cannot run along in front of the Government. I must await these recommendations. There is also a White Paper before the Government which is important. Once the White Paper has been announced I can get on with the job.
Is there any truth in the rumour that the Minister intends to sell off the fish farming projects within his control?
I have no information in that regard. It is purely speculation.