John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

The new seafood strategy group that I announced in Killybegs last week will develop a comprehensive, integrated, market-led vision for the future of the Irish seafood sector. It is based on a strategy that is centred on innovation, product development and value maximisation for our coastal communities and sustainable management of our marine resources and ecosystems. This strategy will also feed into the new national development plan being drawn up for the 2007 to 2013 period so that the sector has access to the necessary development funding in coming years.

Given the importance of this review, I, along with the industry, wanted the seafood strategy group to be chaired by an independent, eminent and committed person, with wide experience in the Irish and global food industry. I was pleased when Mr. Noel Cawley, the former chief executive of the Irish Dairy Board, agreed to become chairman of the group. The other two group members are an tUas. Ruan Ó Bric, chief executive of Udarás na Gaeltachta for 25 years, and Mr. Joey Murrin, chairman of the National Salmon Commission. Between them, the group members have a wealth of relevant knowledge and experience at the highest level, and I am satisfied that they are eminently suited to carrying out this important task.

The strategy group will begin an in-depth consultation with all stakeholders immediately. Regional meetings are planned for July in Wexford, Kerry, Galway and Donegal, and all stakeholders, including the fisheries sector, will be invited to these meetings. Individuals and organisations will also be invited to make written submissions to the group. Accordingly, I am satisfied that all stakeholders will have every opportunity to participate fully in the development of the new strategy and I encourage them to do so.

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