Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If I had acted against the advice of the Marine Institute, my officials and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Deputy Ryan would be the first to criticise me, and perhaps rightly so. In this instance, as is provided for in the process of assessment of applications, the advice was taken on board. The experts made their recommendations and I abided by them. I have no doubt that had I done otherwise the Deputy would be excoriating me for not having done so. It is important that when we appoint people with expertise and they give advice, we assess that advice and proceed accordingly. I brought my own independent assessment of that to bear and I am satisfied in that regard. There is an appeals process under way and so it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter. I did take the advice of experts on board in this regard.

I also point out that prior to Christmas I appointed a three-person review group to review the aquaculture licensing process because I am convinced that it can be a better and more transparent system. While not wishing to hidebound the people who are charged with that responsibility, they are eminent people who bring a range of expertise to bear on this issue. It is unsatisfactory that some licence applications take several years to determine. We have a land-based planning system in respect of which applications can be determined in several months while licensing applications in this area often take several years. As I said, a review of the system is under way.

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