Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)
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I will make a brief statement. Overall, this is a fascinating story. Seaweed seems to be a very good story for Ireland. Possibly, it can get better. Like all success stories, it is creating its own problems. I have a number of questions. Obviously, the existing traditional harvesters are worried about the future. What kind of future will they have if this licence is granted and Acadian Seaplants gets involved in the manner that has been outlined by the people who have concerns? What will be the future for small and medium-sized enterprises like Brandon Products, which is based in County Kerry, if Acadian Seaplants becomes a huge player in the market? Brandon Products and its counterparts might not be providing huge employment, but they are creating valuable jobs and have room for expansion. If I understand correctly, Acadian Seaplants is a competitor of Brandon Products. Will they work together? Is there a legitimate fear that the whole thing will be taken over by a big monster?

Why did Údarás na Gaeltachta feel it was appropriate to sell Arramara at this particular time? Was that a policy decision? Was it a strategic decision? When Acadian Seaplants bought Arramara, was there an understanding that it would be granted this licence? Did talks take place in advance at Government level to copperfasten this deal? If that happened as part of this process, it should be made quite clear.

I am worried about the Sligo experience. Mr. Melvin, who has been harvesting for many years, told the committee earlier about the difficulty he is having in getting his licence renewed. Is that something we need to worry about in the context of the 70% licence that Acadian Seaplants will have?

There is some resonance with the situation regarding traditional bog and turf cutting. Coincidentally, the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, is involved in both cases. Has he been in talks with harvesters and with small producers like Brandon Products? Is he aware of their concerns? Has he made any pronouncement on the matter?