Mr. Paul Mullins:

Deputy Ó Cuív asked a valid question when he compared this with the malting and dairy industries. The problem with those industries is that both have had to consolidate and grow in order to survive. One does not have a 25- or 35- acre farm for malt that can grow to several hundred acres. Traditionally, harvesters have worked part time and have harvested small amounts to supplement income from other streams such as fishing and farming.

The onus is coming from regulations and from Europe to harvest the seaweed sustainably and to be able to show records that we are following best practice. The cost of this will make it economically unviable for individual harvesters to comply with the regulations. Whereas the comparison makes sense in theory, the issue of scale is the single biggest reason that it will move on from that position.

In regard to the maximum harvests, I completely support the principle that no single entity or group of people should have more than 20% or 25% of licences. This does not mean they have to be restricted to 20% or 25% of the resources because they would be able to purchase more on the open market. We make the case in our submission that companies which add value by processing in Ireland should get a rebate on the fee charged for harvesting.