Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I take Deputy Connolly's point. There is a sense of urgency in terms of finalising the publication of the report. As I say, it is going to be published by the end of this quarter. In the meantime, we have seen significant supports and work for the development of the aquaculture sector.

In July of last year I announced a €20 million sustainable aquaculture growth scheme, which is providing stimulus for aquaculture businesses to grow and meet the growing demand for Irish seafood. My Department’s European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, EMFAF, seafood development programme was adopted by the European Commission in December 2022 and that funding provides for public interest projects of benefit to aquaculture as well as direct supports to the industry, facilitating the realisation of actions in the national strategic plan.

I absolutely accept the urgency of having this published. I take on board the point Deputy Connolly made on the length of time this is taking. We want to see it concluded and that will be done and published by the end of the second quarter.

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