Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy's final comment but it must be remembered that not every licence application will be successful. Some of them will be inappropriate and others will relate to areas which are too sensitive in the context of the ecosystems and marine resources which exist there. However, I hope that many of these licences will be granted. It is my job to provide the necessary and rigorous scrutiny of licence applications. This must be done in the context of the legal framework within which we are obliged to operate under EU law. That is what we are trying to do. I am trying to proceed as quickly as possible - without undermining the integrity of the system - in order that the relevant decisions can be made.

I agree with the Deputy that many more people could be employed in this sector. Scotland produces approximately 150,000 tonnes of salmon per year, while Norway produces in the region of 1.2 million tonnes. Ireland, however, produces only 12,000 tonnes of salmon per year. We have a fantastic resource on which to base the development of an industry but we must do this properly rather doing everything in a rush. There are many coastal communities that are happy to facilitate the type of development to which I refer but they want it to be carried out in a proper and vigorous manner. In addition, they want us to deal with all of the questions relating to the environment and the sustainability of the industry.

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