Mr. Denis Maher:

Thank you, Chairman. I will lead off but will refer to Dr. Byrne, as he is the scientist. The major issue in the debate centres around the issue of sea lice. I appreciate Deputy Ó Cuív's question on sea angling. It is the impact on angling per se and the statutory responsibility of IFI that would be of concern. It is fair to say - I am sure Deputies Ó Cuív and Ferris will know this from their own areas - that the debate on sea lice has been ongoing for more than 20 years. It is characterised among stakeholders by entrenched views, with very hard-hitting statements made by those supporting the project and equally hard views expressed by the angling community. We need to move beyond the arguments of the past 20 years. I have a background in seafood, where I worked for ten years, and I understand the arguments put by both sides. I believe we need to move it on. What we have suggested is an independent review of all the scientific data from both sets of stakeholders, which would allow for some level of accord among stakeholders. That is the key.

In respect of aquaculture, we have consistently said - as have both Ministers - that we will give 100% support to aquaculture projects that do not have an impact on other areas. That is what I spoke about earlier with regard to a cohesive response across all stakeholders, including agencies. We have made suggestions about where the location should be but there is disagreement on the scientific elements. We have consistently said we support the development of aquaculture as long as its impact is not detrimental to any sector. I will now ask my colleague Dr. Ciarán Byrne to comment further.