Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I too would like to congratulate Dr. McCarthy and wish him well in his new role. I suspect the Cathaoirleach is tired of me at this stage but at every opportunity I get I raise the delays in the processing of aquaculture licences and I have to raise it again today, along with the carrying out of appropriate assessments. I understand that it is delicate process. I live near Cromane, County Kerry, and there are plenty of issues there. I am aware of projects where the fishermen cannot apply for EU funding because their licence has either expired or it is expiring. This did not start to happen today or yesterday but has been going on for years. It is historical at this stage. We really need to get our act together here in regard to this. I plead with our guests to do everything possible because we are speaking about people's livelihoods. We are speaking about people who want to develop and expand their businesses. I am aware of projects that are shovel ready but their hands are completely tied. I have raised it with the Minister and at every level at this stage. We must talk to the people with responsibility for this particular area and take out the stick, as we say at home, or the ash plant.