Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will now consider the topic of developing the seaweed industry in Ireland, including the feasibility of developing seaweed farms, with representatives from Bord Iascaigh Mhara and from the Irish Seaweed Research Group. Is that agreed? Agreed. I welcome the following witnesses to the meeting: Mr. Donal Maguire, director of aquaculture development services at Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM; and Professor Mark Johnson and Dr. Maeve Edwards, representing the Irish Seaweed Research Group, ISRG, in the Ryan Institute, NUI Galway. I thank them for their attendance. We will hear from the witnesses in the order in which I called out their names.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Any documentation the witnesses provide in their opening statements may be published on the committee website once the meeting has concluded.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before I call on the witnesses to make their opening statements, I want to make a couple of points. As everyone is aware, the committee began by looking at the issue of licensing but during our deliberations we agreed to look also at the issue of developing seaweed farming in Ireland. The Sea Change strategy of 2006 indicated the processing of seaweed in Ireland will be worth €30 million per annum by 2020. Accordingly, this activity is of enormous importance in Gaeltacht areas and along the west coast, where it is a very important sector and a source of investment and income. I would like the witnesses to tell us whether the estimate of €30 million is realistic. Can we surpass that expectation? What do we need to do in terms of investment, putting in infrastructure or developing policy? Can we offer a unique product and can we compete in the international market? Can we diversify our processes so that seaweed is not shipped abroad but is processed here at home, leading to obvious economic benefits, not least job creation? Do we need to bring in foreign companies to operate the market for us or are there sufficient indigenous skill sets and know-how to develop the sector? Is EU funding available to assist and, if so, how can it be accessed? We have a very large pharmaceutical base in this country, not least where I come from in County Cork, and I believe there are other areas in which we can develop an international reputation and this is one of those areas.

I would also like the witnesses to comment on how we can protect our marine ecosystems and how we can juxtapose eco-marine activity, the fishing sector and the tourism sector while also developing the seaweed industry.

I will call on the witnesses in the order in which I introduced them, beginning with the opening statement of Bord Iascaigh Mhara.