Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the witnesses. I was at another meeting so I was not able to get in at the beginning. I read the submission and I must compliment the three witnesses on their contribution and their ability to answer questions.

I have three questions. One relates to grant aid. Will the witnesses explain why their industry is not able to draw down grant aid because of State aid rules? On licences, is the industry having discussions with the Department? Is the Department actually engaging with them? 2017 is a long time ago. It has been five years and nothing happening. Why is the Department not engaging with them?

This is not an easy industry. Ms McManus spelt it out very well. It requires a big investment involving a big risk and people in the past that took that risk. In some cases they were successful; in others they were not. The industry means a lot of hard work and it is very difficult. The companies probably do not get the reward they deserve. I am disappointed that after the licensing review the Department even at this stage has done nothing in the past few years. I would like to know how the committee could help. Could we bring departmental officials before us along with the witnesses to see what can be done to speed this up? Are the officials engaging with the witnesses?

Some of the other questions I wanted to ask have been asked. I am sure the industry could create a lot more jobs if the structure and the licensing were not so difficult. It has been difficult over the past few years. I know that something needs to be done.