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

The Department does take it seriously. It takes equally seriously the relationship it has developed with the inshore sector. There have been four meetings to date, all of which I have attended. We now have an opportunity to discuss a whole range of issues. Many of the recommendations in the Oireachtas committee's report have been acted upon and more will be acted upon. In regard to Oireachtas committee reports generally, in terms of how a Department responds to them, this one scores pretty well. There are restrictions and regulations within which we have to operate. Any new licensing system must be consistent with the new Common Fisheries Policy regulations.

The Deputy asked that the Department of rural, coastal and island communities make a decision on that, but no such Department exists. I am the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. We will look at this, but only in the context of what is practical and real and within the parameters of the regulations within which I must operate.

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