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

I thank Ms Reynolds for attending. As the questions were being developed, I thought it might be appropriate for her to come back in six months when she would have had time to become involved in the work of the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board. At that stage, the questions might be easier for her to answer.

Out of general interest, I wonder what made Ms Reynolds apply for the role. Looking at the decisions of the Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board, in 2012, for example, 100% of the appeals were granted, although two were deferred to the following year. Does Ms Reynolds think this is appropriate? What level of decisions does she expect to be queried?

Looking at the annual reports, it is difficult to see where any appeal has been decided within the four-month statutory period. That information is not easily accessible within the annual reports. Does Ms Reynolds have any information on how many appeals are decided on within the four-month period?

One of the contentious aspects with An Bord Pleanála, with which we are all familiar, is the amount of times the board overrules inspectors' reports, decisions or recommendations. I know that in the case of the Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board a technical inspector will review the application and the appeal and then make a recommendation. What is Ms Reynolds's view on the board accepting or rejecting technical reports from inspectors?

How does Ms Reynolds see the role of the Aquaculture Licenses Appeals Board in balancing the concerns of community groups about the environment and the appropriateness of applications? How does she see the board's role in balancing national plans for harvesting our ocean wealth?

The question on resources would be better dealt with at a later date when Ms Reynolds has had a chance to look at what is actually required.