Written Answers. - Advice to Department.
Edward Nealon
Ceist:
118
Mr. Nealon
asked the
Minister for the Marine
the title and terms of reference of each commission, committee, working group or other similar body set up since 1 January 1986 to advise him on the policy or functions of his Department; the nature of each body, that is, whether it is permanent or ad hoc; when each ad hoc body reported; its recommendations; and the action, if any, which has been taken or is being taken in regard to same.
The following is the information sought by the Deputy:
1. Title:
The Planning Review Group for Dún Laoghaire Harbour.
Terms of Reference:
To produce an outline management plan for the harbour and recommendations in relation to marina development within three months and when the draft development plan has been finalised to consider the options for the management structure and financing of any proposals it recommends.
Nature:
Ad hoc.
Date of Report:
24 November 1988.
Recommendations:
The recommendations are set out in the report which has been published and a copy of which is available in the Dáil Library.
Action:
My Department, which took over responsibility for Dún Laoghaire Harbour on 1 January 1989, has been operating in line with the recommendations of the Review Group.
On the 2 January 1990, I announced the membership of the Interim Dún Laoghaire board set up to assist me in all aspects of harbour management and development. In pursuing its functions the Board will have particular reference to the recommendations of the Planning Review Group.
2.Title:
The Salmon Review Group.
Terms of Reference:
To examine and review the measures applied for the protection and conservation of salmon stocks; to assess their effectiveness; to identify the constraints impeding their operation, and to make recommendations on any changes considered necessary to improve the position.
Nature:
Ad hoc.
Date of Report:
20 October, 1987.
Recommendations:
The recommendations are set out in the report which has been published and a copy of which is available in the Dáil Library.
Action:
Major initiatives have been taken over the range of areas of recommendations including especially, initiatives on the environment and salmon protection initiatives inshore (by the Regional Fisheries Boards) and offshore (by the Navy).
3.Title:
Sea-Fishing Boat Licence Review Group.
Terms of Reference:
To recommend the sea-fishing boat licensing policy that should be adopted to ensure the optimum development of the Irish sea fishing industry and the procedures that should be adopted to ensure that licence applications are processed in a consistent, efficient manner and in conformity with the stated policy. The terms of reference also provide that in considering these matters the Group should take account of all aspects of the Irish sea fishing industry including the present fleet, employment opportunities, stocks, safety and downstream industries (fish processing, boat construction and ancillary services) and the implications of present and possible future EC policy in relation to fleet restructuring and management.
Nature:
Ad hoc.
Date of Report:
February 1990.
Recommendations/Action:
I am considering the Group's recommendations at present.
4.Title:
Finfish Aquaculture Working Group.
Terms of Reference:
To investigate and advise me in relation to the establishment of mandatory Codes of Practice for finfish aquaculture, taking account of those aspects of fish husbandry which have a direct bearing on the environment and the wild fishery, and in particular, to address certain key aspects, such as: use of antibiotics and chemicals; arrangements for disposal of dead fish; escapes of farmed fish and control of arrangements for bleeding of fish at slaughter.
Nature:
Ad hoc.
Date of Report, Recommendations/Action:
The Committee will report to me shortly.
5.Title:
Aquaculture Advisory Committee.
Terms of Reference:
To consider issues which are relevant to the development of aquaculture in the State; to consider policy for the development of aquaculture in the State and to advise my Department and myself from time to time in relation to changes which may be necessary to existing policies or arrangements and any new initiatives which may be necessary in order to promote the development of aquaculture in the State in harmony with environmental and other interests.
Nature:
Permanent.
6.Title:
The Aquaculture Management Committee.
Terms of Reference:
To review on a regular basis the status of aquaculture development in relation to the objectives of the Government; to co-ordinate State funding for aquaculture projects in order to maximise employment and output; and to consider the means necessary to secure adequate EC funding for aquaculture and review the provision of grant-aid for the aquaculture industry.
Nature:
Permanent.
7.Title:
National Ferry Safety Committee.
Terms of Reference:
To review safety procedures and standards on board Irish registered roll-on/roll-off ferries, and to consider any measures necessary to improve safety and make recommendations, as appropriate, to the ferry operators and myself.
Nature:
Permanent.
8.Title:
The Review Group on Air/Sea Rescue Services.
Terms of Reference:
To examine the structure and the operation of the Air/Sea Rescue Services and to make recommendations to ensure a cost effective and efficient service to meet national and international requirements and to report at the earliest possible date.
Nature:
Ad hoc.
Date of Report:
13 February, 1990.
Recommendations/Action:
As soon as I have studied it I will put the report before the Government.
9.Title:
Inter-departmental Committee on the Deployment of Search and Rescue Helicopters.
Terms of Reference:
To consider the implications of and to make recommendations regards the deployment of Dauphin search and rescue helicopters.
Nature:
Ad hoc.
Recommendations/Action:
The Inter-departmental Committee listed various options as it saw them for improving search and rescue helicopter coverage. When the Government obtained the report of the Inter-departmental Committee it became clear that the deployment of search and rescue helicopter could not be considered in isolation from the overall strategy for dealing with distress incidents within the Irish search and rescue region and should take account of facilities provided by the various search and rescue agencies.
The Government considered that an in-depth review of Irish search and rescue arrangements was required and it established the Review Group on Air/Sea Rescue Services to carry this out.
