Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in congratulating staff at the Marine Institute on the discovery at the Goban Spur. It will be interesting to hear how that discovery might be further developed and the potential spin-off for the State.

The delegates mentioned their involvement in shipping and maritime services development in collaboration with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Have they examined the requirements for offshore wind energy project development in terms of services such as tender boats and the potential such developments could reap in terms of employment and investment opportunities for businesses along the coast?

I am aware that the institute monitors sea lice levels in the context of the threat to fish farming. Are the delegates conducting any research into safeguarding against natural predators? I understand work is ongoing in Scotland, for example, on recycle aquaculture systems, RASs. Is there potential to develop these types of system here?