Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned providing clarity. In respect of the area that I spoke about between Cromane Point and Killorglin, we all saw the devastation that was wrought on the tourism industry last year and this year. Given that industry is in such a precarious position, the aquaculture jobs are essential to the area. They provide supplementary income and part-time income to many small farmers and local people, many of whom have been farming oysters for generations. When many of the people made their applications, there seemed to be a blanket ban or a blanket refusal to grant applications in that particular area. Some of the information relied on in the decision-making was a report that dates back some years. I ask the Minister to consider committing to producing an updated independent ecological report for that area in order that clarity can be provided. If there is no point in applying for the licences, it should be made clear to applicants. If there is a chance, given the jobs are essential, I ask the Minister commit to the publication of a report for the applicants.

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