John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept that the licensing system is antiquated. Many of the licences issued ten years ago are coming up for renewal. We are now working under many new different circumstances. For example, we now have to deal with the EPA, the Marine Institute, water directives, bird directives, new planning regulations and far greater public consultation. That has slowed down the procedure.

The Minister, Deputy Coughlan and I are strongly committed to aquaculture. The first phase of the Cawley report was launched yesterday. It strongly recommends the development of aquaculture. We will give that priority during 2008. To answer the Deputy's question, it is my determination to ensure the backlog is eliminated by end of this year.

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