Ms Olive Loughnane:

I have responsibility for the relationship with the consultative committee. We recognise the value of that relationship. It is important for ensuring consumers across the world can have confidence in the provenance of Irish fish. It is important because while there will always be friction between the industry that is regulated and the regulator, we need to work together to find solutions that benefit everyone, that benefit Ireland Inc., and that benefit coastal communities around the country. The Deputy spoke about transfer of ownership. Following up from that February meeting, at a subsequent meeting with the consultative committee, we invited it to make a proposal about ownership. We are still waiting for that proposal.