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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 4

Written Answers. - Marine Research.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Ceist:

46 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline any research being carried out by his Department into the use of seaweed as a natural resource; if he has any plans to increase its use as a manufacturing product; if he has any plans to export it to overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for the Marine, I am the 51 per cent shareholder on behalf of the State in Arramara Teoranta, a seaweed processing company which operate two plants, one each in Counties Donegal and Galway. Arramara have 25 employees, a turnover of about £1.5 million per annum and a solid track record in the exploitation of the seaweed resources in Counties Donegal and Galway in the interests of local communities.

My Department operate in close liaison with Arramara and I have encouraged the company in relation to the greater use of existing resources and diversification. The bulk of Arramara's output is, in fact, exported.
In addition, my Department encourage and support enterprise and research in this sector, by means of, for example, advice and guidance and issue of foreshore licences, where relevant. My Department have also been in touch with the IDA concerning development of this sector.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Ceist:

47 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if, taking into consideration the importance of marine research, he will outline his plans for this division of his Department; if he intends to set up a research laboratory in the south-west of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Marine research is an issue to which I attach considerable priority. As an indication of my commitment in this area, the Marine Institute Act, 1991, is now on the Statute Book and my Department are working on the detail to allow for the early establishment of the institute. The institute will provide a mechanism for the coherent application and co-ordination of the State's efforts in this sector.

Marine research within my Department is at present undertaken by the Fisheries Research Centre and it is concentrated on fish stock assessment, aquaculture, the marine environment and fish pathology. Research is geared to the support of economic development and the protection of the marine environment. The establishment of the Marine Institute will facilitate the enhancement of present efforts and in that context will draw on resources available in the south-west.

Finally, I would refer the Deputy to the reply which I gave to a question from him dated 21 March 1991 about the shellfish industry and a research centre in the south-west.

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