Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The appropriate assessment process is moving at a snail's pace, which simply makes no sense. Production and employment are being held up. These people could take on additional staff were they to get permission, and four years is a long time to be waiting. I understand this is a complicated process but I also believe the Marine Institute has carried out its assessment work. People are waiting for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to set the conservation objectives. Apparently, the next step is to go to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. A major problem in this regard is that while many people are involved in this process, no one is driving it. Can the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine take a more active position on this process and drive it? It is frustrating for people who are trying to make the industry work and create local employment. All they are getting is bureaucracy by the bucketful and no solutions.

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