Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I realise that Údarás na Gaeltachta contacted likely bidders, but it is disappointing that there was no public tender. It is difficult to have transparency without one.

Údarás na Gaeltachta did not apply for a licence. Rather, Arramara Teo did. The licence application was included in the sale. Traditional harvesters could be pushed off the pitch. They are uneasy. Arramara Teo is seeking a three-year licence. Will the Minister of State consider ensuring the licence will not be issued to the new company until three-year deals have been agreed with indigenous harvesters? They will be under pressure standing up against a powerful foreign operation like the Canadian company and could do with State protection. It would be good if the State held off on awarding the licence until contracts were in place with the indigenous harvesters.

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