Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
484. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for a fishing licence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53258/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.
In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at: http://www.alab.ie/appealsprocess/.
Determination were made on these licence applications on 9th October 2018. These determinations are published on my Department’s website and, in addition, the applicant was informed in writing.
The Department has been advised by ALAB that the Board has received appeals in respect of these determinations. As the Board is currently considering the appeals in question as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter pending the conclusion of that process.
