Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The principal objective of the review, which was carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers, was to contribute to the ongoing and future development of the organisation. The areas covered by the review were the organisational capabilities of the SFPA to deliver on its mission for the effective and fair regulation - and I emphasise fair regulation - of the sea-fishing and seafood sectors that fall within its mandate. I have to accept that fishermen, fisherwomen and processors do not believe that it is fair. That is their view. The Deputy is entitled to express that here. It would be useful for the matter to be discussed at the committee.

The report contained 46 recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the organisation and the process of implementing the review findings has been completed. The implementation of the recommendations has required investment in systems, restructuring and personnel. An independent advisory board nominated by the Department assisted the management of the SFPA in implementing the recommendations. The Department has provided significant additional resources to the authority in recent years to strengthen it and ensure that it delivers to a high standard in the context of its core responsibilities.

I recognise the point the Deputy raised. These matters can be thrashed out by the new committee. I am pleased that there is a new committee and that it will focus, in particular, on fisheries and the marine.

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