Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Much of the ground has been covered over and again. I welcome the investment that has been made in Arramara. It has been indicated that €2 million is being invested as a start. Ireland pitches itself as a small, open economy. It is good to see that this approach is working in the global village. We are competing internationally. Obviously, Acadian Seaplants is coming here because of seaweed. Not every place in the world has seaweed. We have that in our favour. It is the job of the State, the Government and the different Departments to get this right. The delegates have explained very well how they deal fairly with people. The State agencies and the Government are responsible for putting in place the proper regulatory framework. If one of these companies was taken over in the morning and we were dealing with different personalities, the Government would have to ensure on the licensing and the competition sides that the people are protected.
Licensing is a complex area. I would be reluctant to go down the line advocated by Deputy Ó Cuív by saying that we should proceed exclusively on the basis of people's folios and that only such people have rights. People have long-standing rights that need to be protected and respected. These rights equate to people's livelihoods. I would urge some caution in this regard. When we started to formalise and regulate the operation of quarries in Ireland a few years ago, our efforts did not protect the legitimate quarry people per se. Anybody who had dug a hole in the ground - the extent of the digging they did could have been done by me - was entitled to claim it was a quarry. The challenge we face is to get this right. I know that is why we are having this debate.
It is exciting to hear what the representatives of companies that rely on seaweed have to say. There is no doubt that they have a real passion for the industry. They want a bite of the apple as well. The way to go is to accommodate people and provide for the right system. We should not create a monopoly, even if that is done inadvertently through State agencies, etc. I appreciate that Acadian Seaplants is intent on ensuring a monopoly does not develop. The public good, which is referred to in the licensing document and encompasses environmental and cultural factors and the will of the people, is tempered by other things like competition law and the need to get the licence right.
I wish to make a final point. An tUasal Mac Eochaidh said that Acadian Seaplants was chosen because it is in a position to invest and grow. We have been told it is investing approximately €2 million. What are the plans? Can the witnesses paint a picture for us? How can this country hope to benefit from all of their expertise and experience? This country's many harvesters want to work with the company and get a proper return. How can that be facilitated? Will the efforts that are being made to avoid the development of a monopoly assist people like Mr. O'Sullivan, who is concerned about whether he will get more seaweed if he wants it? Údarás na Gaeltachta has said it will give priority to certain people, but how far will it go in that respect? Where is the cut-off point? Will it impede people's ability to grow their businesses? If that is a reality, we need it on the table. How will the company deal with people like Mr. Quinn, who have not had dealings with Arramara and are afraid that their harvesters will be taken and they will be unable to get seaweed? I will conclude because we have to vote.