Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The committee has heard from both sides on a number of potential aquaculture licences which, in their own right, could be contentious in certain areas. There is no question but that aquaculture provides the country with potential. The awarding of licences is a matter for the Department, while the independent appeals process is hugely important for both sides. Will Ms Reynolds indicate the current number of appeals before the Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board? What is the average time taken to process an appeal? Does the board have a view on whether the time taken to process appeals should be shortened? Perhaps Ms Reynolds is of the view that the current period is sufficient.
Does the Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board have sufficient resources to meet demands vis-à-visthe Department's and BIM's objective role in promoting salmon farms and increasing their production? If there is to be increased production, there will as a consequence be an increased number of licensing applications. Are the resources available to the board sufficient to meet future demand?
As I understand it, Ms Reynolds will fulfil the role of chairperson the Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board for four years. She has outlined some of her objectives, but what are her main ones in the next four years? I wish her well in her role which brings both challenges and opportunities. She brings a lot to the table and has a strong legal background which I am sure will be called upon occasionally. I thank her for appearing before the committee which I hope will have an opportunity to engage with her annually during her tenure as chairperson. In that way, we will be able to review the board's findings. It will take her time to find her feet in the new role. She has a good board with which to work and I know some of its members.