Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are many checks and balances when an application is being processed. Each application goes through statutory and public consultation, in accordance with the provision of the national legislation. In the case of proposed possible recommendations, specific draft licence conditions are prepared.

Each special condition is individually discussed with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and approved by the service. Typically, between ten and 20 special conditions feature in an individual licence. A recommendation is made to the Minister in respect of each application. The decision by the Minister in respect of a licence application much be published. All licences that are granted are subject to appeal to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, which is an independent body. It was established under the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 for the purpose of considering appeals against ministerial decisions on aquaculture licence applications. There is no doubt that it is a fairly drawn-out process. There are checks and balances to ensure all interests are adequately considered. I thank Deputy Ferris for raising this matter. The entire reply will be made available to him.

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