The SFPA commissioned an independent review of the Organisational Capability of the SFPA in 2019 and this was completed by Price Waterhouse Coopers. A Steering Group comprised of three senior and expert persons, all independent of the SFPA, was put in place to oversee the review.
The principal objective of the review was to contribute to the ongoing and future development of the SFPA. The areas covered by the review are the organisational capabilities of the SFPA to deliver on its mission for the effective and fair regulation of the sea fishing and seafood sectors that fall within its mandate.
The Review was completed in April 2020 and made 46 recommendations which, when implemented, will address issues identified to improve the effectiveness of the organisation. An independent Advisory Board, nominated by my Department was put in place to assist the management of the SFPA in the implementation of the Report. This Board is purely advisory and does not have any executive role in the operations of the SFPA. A dedicated Director of Transformation was appointed to the SFPA in January 2021, with overall responsibility for managing the implementation of the review’s recommendations.
The responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations rests with the SFPA, which is an independent agency as set down in the 2006 Act. My role, as Minister, relates solely to corporate governance.
The 2021 budget allocation of €24.810m is to allow the SFPA to continue to meet its National and EU obligations as Ireland's competent Authority for the enforcement of Sea Fisheries and seafood safety law and to meet challenges arising from Brexit. This budget includes a provision of €5.808m under EU- funded programmes for IT and other developments which previsously had been provided for in the general Department's budget.
The additional funds have been allocated over recent years to strengthen the Authority. Staff numbers have increased from 104 in October 2017 to 150 in 2021. In addition, a programme of recruitment is planned for this year to provide for strengthened control and enforcement functions, including supporting the new requirements for seafood trade following the UK departure from the EU.
