Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a good point on which to conclude. I thank Dr. Delaney and Dr. Hynes for coming before us and providing their perspective. Dr. Delaney referred to tradition. We have designated Gaeltacht areas and mná tí and people can spend two to three weeks during the summer months in order to learn Irish. That was not the case 50 years ago. This is a small cottage industry which was created to replace subsistence farming. Most of our coastal areas are designated as Natura 2000 sites of some description. This gives rise to problems when people are trying to engage in offshore activities such as aquaculture, wind farming, etc. There are areas, mainly in the west, which are supported by a semi-State body, Údarás na Gaeltachta, which drew down funding for rural social and support schemes. If we are going to continue to value rural communities, perhaps the committee should recommend considering a model similar to that which relates to Údarás na Gaeltacht. I refer to the creation of a mechanism to draw down supports from Europe.

On policy, the discussion with which the meeting commenced in respect of drift net fishing provides a typical example. We must consider how we might achieve the balance and it is all about balance. Dr. Delaney's final comments on aquaculture brought the discussion full circle. We must consider how we might achieve harmony between drift net fishermen and those involved in aquaculture. The aim of the exercise is to ensure that rural, coastal and island communities will survive, that their schools can remain open and that such communities will thrive as a result. That is what we are trying to do and we thought it would be easy. I live on the east coast so I am probably the most objective member of the committee. However, I am also probably the most uninformed. The latter allows me to sit back, watch and listen. I am fascinated by everything we have heard.

I again thank our guests for travelling to be here. Dr. Hynes did not have to travel quite as far as Dr. Delaney but we appreciate both of them making the effort to be here. What they stated will inform what we want to see happen from the perspective of policy direction. In addition to environmental impact assessments, the social impact and other considerations should also be drawn into the mix in advance rather than retrospectively. I do not wish to presume anything but I am of the view that the committee's report will contain recommendations on real-time data, advanced studies and proofing.

As we have no further business, I will bring the meeting to a close. I remind members that we will meet again on Tuesday next, when we will have quite a sizeable agenda with which to deal.