Mr. Michael Keatinge:

It would be unfortunate, even possibly untrue, to say that BIM and Inland Fisheries Ireland are at loggerheads. I do not believe we are. I met with my colleague, Dr. Byrne, some weeks ago and we have had a long and open discussion about how we can better align. The central issue, bluntly, is that there is concern and we would be silly to say that we are not aware of it. Of course we are deeply aware of the emotive issues that surround salmon farming in particular. I reiterate that if we forgo this opportunity we will do so at the cost of jobs and at the cost of economic activity and development. I have discussed the situation with Dr. Heffernan in the Marine Institute and with Dr. Byrne, who addressed this committee and said that Inland Fisheries Ireland is not opposed to aquaculture. Inland Fisheries Ireland, I believe, wishes to see sustainable aquaculture developed. The real challenge facing us in Ireland is to create a new dialogue about being the best at sustainable aquaculture and operating to the highest standards. If we could channel our energy into that and help to overcome the uncertainty and doubt that clearly exist in some communities in respect of aquaculture, we could do something very positive for local communities.