Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I am assured that no funding under the co-funding programme has been lost or is at risk arising from the delays encountered here. The Deputy mentioned €5 million which was apparently provided for aquaculture surveys. I understand that was approximately 12 years ago and that the funding was not used for the purpose for which it was provided.

In regard to the work under way, a considerable amount of it is scientific in nature and is conducted by, or on behalf of, the Marine Institute on behalf of this Department and some additional work is done with the national parks and wildlife service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I am satisfied with the level of co-operation with the agencies and the Departments at this point.

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