Aquaculture Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2015

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Ceisteanna (225)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

225. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 10 November 2015, why he is not implementing the explicit commitment in Food Wise 2025 to commission an independent review of his aquaculture licensing system which would report by early 2016; if he is willing to accept an independent review of the aquaculture licensing system, and if he will implement the other commitments in Food Wise 2025. [43547/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My response to Question No. 242 of 10 November 2015 clearly stated that my Department will implement the recommendations of Food Wise 2025 within the timeframe of that Report.

My Department is presently making arrangements to publish a National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development. I consulted with stakeholders on a draft of the Plan earlier this year. Action number 22 of that Plan commits my Department to a review and revision of the aquaculture licence process, including the applicable legal framework. I expect that Review to get underway early in the new year and to report in the first half of 2016.