Vol. 432 No. 8
45 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if he will give details of his response to the proposals on aquaculture contained in the report of the Green 2000 Advisory Group; if, in particular, he intends to act on the recommendation that a National Policy for Aquaculture should be immediately drawn up; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I welcome the publication of the Green 2000 Advisory Group report and am pleased that the authors recognise the significant growth and development of the acquaculture sector and its contribution to job creation and economic activity. It is noteworthy that a relatively new industry like aquaculture features so prominently in the report in comparison to other established sectors. This prominence reflects the high level of environmental scrutiny to which the fish farming industry has been subjected in recent years. A detailed examination of the analysis, conclusions and recommendations of the report is currently under way in the Department. The report is a most useful background against which existing development and regulatory policies can be scrutinised. I will advise the House of the outcome of this assessment process as soon as it is completed and of my considered response to the 14 substantive recommendations contained in the report. I have taken particular note of the report's recommendation that a national policy for aquaculture development be drawn up in consultation and agreement with all relevant sectors. I would like in that context to reiterate the Government's policy objective in relation to aquaculture which is to ensure that development takes place in an ordered and well regulated manner, with full regard for other interests and in harmony with the environment, while maximising the industry's contribution to the economy. I fully agree that the strategies and measures to achieve that objective must be based on consultation and consensus and it is with this in mind that, in the first instance, a review of the present legislative framework is underway in full consultation with all relevant interests.
The recommendations of the report provide a very helpful perspective on possible new arrangements to underpin the sustainable development of the industry. I welcome the opportunity for critical and constructive debate of these issues at national and, indeed, local level which the report's thoughtful exposition affords us.
