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

10 o’clock

I have had many discussions with various players and stakeholders in the area of aquaculture as this is something Deputies and Ministers do all the time. I speak of discussions with non-governmental organisations, people with concerns relating to licensing systems and companies. This is part of my job as the Minister with responsibility for the marine, aquaculture, fisheries and the development of a sustainable industry with a licensing system appropriate to sustainability. I act on the basis of the legal, scientific and environmental advice on applications that I receive from other State agencies. We have a strict process for this and the interaction between my Department, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the environmental pillar and other stakeholders shows I listen to everyone. It is my job to listen and put policy in place and ensure the licensing system functions appropriately. I am involved in the licensing system but it also has an independent appeals process.

I think Deputy Ó Cuív may be referring to recent media reports on a meeting I had with Marine Harvest. On 30 January I met with representatives of Marine Harvest Ireland. The meeting was chaired by the Taoiseach, and officials from the Department of the Taoiseach and my Department were also in attendance. The meeting was held at the request of the company to discuss licensing and industry development issues associated with the company's operations in Ireland.

As is appropriate, it was explained from the outset that specific applications which the company submitted to my Department for consideration could not be discussed in detail in view of the statutory basis of the assessment process. It was also made clear that the Galway Bay licence issue could not be discussed, and I know the Deputy is concerned about this, although it has nothing to do with Marine Harvest. It was felt that such a discussion would not be appropriate and it is important to be upfront about these things. I often meet companies to encourage job creation and investment in Ireland and I also meet people with interests in the aquaculture industry. Equally, I meet people with concerns relating to the aquaculture industry to ensure the licensing system functions properly.

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