Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:33 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans he has to develop the economic potential of the seaweed industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3347/01]
Written Answers. - Seaweed Industry.
In October 1999, my predecessor, Deputy Woods, established a national seaweed forum. The principal objective in establishing this forum was to bring together all the relevant interests and expertise in the Irish seaweed sector to evaluate and advise on possible strategies to realise the development potential of the resource. This included the identification of the means by which the sector could maximise its contribution to the national economy and enhance the economic and social well-being of coastal regions and communities, particularly Gaeltacht areas.
The forum presented me with its report and recommendations in November 2000. As a follow-up to this important report, I established an implementation group in December 2000 to set about devising an action plan as well as setting out the means and measures by which the recommendations of that report could be put into effect.
This group comprises representatives of the seaweed industry as well as BIM, the Marine Institute, NUI Galway and my Department and has already met on two occasions to date. A further meeting is scheduled for later this month. I await the group's recommendations and I assure the Deputy that I intend acting on this advice without delay.