Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

If we are to make progress on this issue, the most positive step that could be taken depends on the industry, which I have invited to nominate representatives to the management committee. They would have an input into SMAC, which advises and makes recommendations to DARD in Northern Ireland and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. It has an input into the management and exploitation of the seed mussel resource. This important committee comprises representatives from the two Departments, as well as Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Loughs Agency, and the cross-Border aquaculture initiative. SMAC processes and assesses applications for allocations of mussels and advises DARD and my Department. It also makes recommendations to the Departments regarding the opening and closing of the fishery.

In short, I believe that the most positive step that we can take is to have a representative or representatives on the management committee. I fully agree with Deputy Perry on the great importance of the industry, which has grown over the years and provides much-needed income for those fishing that resource North and South.

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