Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

There was an exchange of correspondence between the Department and several stakeholders, both individually and collectively, and the view they take is that it is not a legal entity. The advice that I have received is that it is legal and that we are bound by the March 1964 Voisinage Agreement.

I do not know what the best decisive action on my part might be. However, I would have the support of all sides of the House in inviting the industry to become involved in SMAC. That would certainly move the agenda on. I fully agree with Deputy Perry that the mussel seed allocation is extremely important. In 2004, allocations totalled 36,900 tonnes and the uptake amounted to 20,700 tonnes. Production of mussels from that seed on Irish aquaculture sites amounted to 28,000 tonnes, valued at €21 million, making it extremely important to in-shore fishermen. At the expense of repeating myself, I want to see the industry participate. No management regime can make progress without all stakeholders being involved.

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