Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As somebody from Westmeath, I will not be parochial about bays. The delegation might be reassured to hear that. Looking at the document here before us, there were 492 determinations with 612 outstanding. It is simple to calculate that if it has taken the Department four years to determine 492 applications, one is looking at five years to deal with the other 612 applicants unless there are big changes. That is not even taking into consideration ongoing renewals. Dr. Beamish said in regard to renewals that people can continue with production where there is a lapsed licence on foot of a delay in the Department. As such, it is not putting people out of production. What monitoring of their practices and the terms and conditions of the original licence takes place during that consideration? I was thinking when Dr. Beamish said that about people being allowed to drive on the roads without licences if local authorities were not able to renew them because of red tape or other delays. It is hard not to make that comparison. What monitoring is done on those outfits which are operating without licences during that term?

In answer to Senator Mac Lochlainn, Dr. Beamish said aquaculture was static or declining across Europe. Is that because of the inefficiencies in licensing? If there was a faster, more efficient and appropriate licensing process, would the industry be thriving?