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

The committee has received a written submission from Dr. Stefan Kraan, managing director of Ocean Harvest Technology, in which he concludes that in respect of the harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum, the solution to the current impasse could be to grant licences to individual harvesters who currently harvest the species or can demonstrate that they have been harvesting the species during the past 20 years. He further concludes that in this way a competitive element will remain in play in respect of supply and demand and pricing and that this does not prevent new players from entering the industry. I would welcome a response from a representative of each of the organisations as to whether that is a possible solution to the current situation.

I have a couple of specific questions of the representatives of BioAtlantis Limited. I read somewhere that the reason BioAtlantis applied for a licence in Clew Bay was to try to protect its supply of raw material. Should a new licensing regime be put in place? Would BioAtlantis be willing to withdraw its licence application if everybody else were to agree to allow individual harvesters who have traditionally harvested to continue doing so and to sell to whatever commercial entities they can do a deal with?

Appendix 2 of the written submission provided by BioAtlantis is a statutory declaration in relation to Arramara Teoranta. What is the significance of that, particular paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 thereof? Also, appendix 4 is a copy of a letter received from the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, which states that he approves the sale by Údarás na Gaeltachta to Acadian Seaplants subject to a number of conditions being fulfilled, including that named customers of Arramara Teoranta be guaranteed supply of product on reasonable terms and conditions into the future. Perhaps the Mr. O'Sullivan would elaborate on the company's understanding of that arrangement, whether any work has been done in terms of finalising that arrangement and whether that condition has been included in the terms of the sale.

I would welcome a comment from each witness on the reason processors, as opposed to individuals who have been traditionally harvesting, should be granted licences to harvest.