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

On the first question, in 2011 two applications were received; in 2012 two applications were received; and in 2013 and 2014 no applications were received for new licences for fin fish farms. On renewal of licences, eight applications were received in 2011; nine applications in 2012; two applications in 2013; and two applications in 2014. It is important to say that in the case of renewals, there is a statutory guarantee to allow operators to continue operating while the renewal is being considered. We obviously would not want to shut down businesses while there is a consideration of a renewal. We do have a statutory guarantee that the companies can continue to operate while their renewals are being considered. We are not talking about huge numbers of applications here.

There is not a timeline on the process. I have looked at introducing one but that does pose problems because sometimes if we have to put scientific-based assessments in place, that does take time. Sometimes we have to take on extra contractors to do it. We are looking all the time at ways we can increase the pace of the consideration of these applications but when there is a detailed application - some of them are controversial and the Deputy is very familiar with a few of them - they take time. Deputy Ó Cuív is familiar with that.

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