Ms Karin Dubsky:

It depends. For example, that is not the situation in Germany. It first sets the marine areas for temporary protection, in terms of closure to spawning, and then the permanent special protection areas, SPAs, and special areas of conservation, SACs. It then decides on the best fit. For example, in terms of the SPA and SAC, it does not set a particular distance.

The Irish strategic environmental assessment, SEA, on offshore energy is lying in a dusty cupboard somewhere. I was involved in the group which drafted it, which work was completed approximately two and a half years ago. It should be utilised. Ireland has not yet fulfilled its arrangements under the marine strategy framework directive and other law to produce a coherent network of marine protected areas. It is important this is done before decisions on the different uses are made.