Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a new aquaculture licensing regime has been in operation since 1 January 2008, implementing recommendation 6.2 of the seafood industry strategy; the number of licences that have been processed since that date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7297/08]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Cawley report recommended that a review of the existing procedures and processes used to administer and implement the current licensing and regulatory regime for the aquaculture sector should take place with a view to strengthening current systems and procedures and delivering an improved service to customers. My Department has prepared a detailed strategic plan to give effect to this recommendation. This strategic plan has been accepted in principle and its implementation is currently under discussion within my Department.

The division dealing with aquaculture licensing also deals with foreshore licensing and a range of other coastal zone management issues. In regard to aquaculture licensing, it deals with assignment, renewal and amendment of existing licences as well as the issuing of new licences.

Since 1 January 2008 one new licence has been finalised and issued to the applicant. A further 19 applications have been processed to an advanced stage and determinations in respect of these applications are expected in the coming weeks. It is important that I place the number of new licences issued in context. The licensing procedure is lengthy and complex, involving a range of intermediate measures before a recommendation and decision can be made in any one case.

I should also point out that the process has become considerably more complex since the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 was enacted due to increased activity and demands in the coastal zone and the knock-on need to take an ever greater account of the potential impacts on safety and navigation; the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna; the suitability of the waters; the other beneficial uses of the place or waters; the likely effects on the economy of the area; and the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application. The strategic plan prepared by my Department has set out a number of measures to address these issues and I am confident that the plan will result in a more sustainable licensing regime for aquaculture into the future.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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When does the Minister of State envisage the backlog will be cleared? When we spoke about this matter on 6 November last, I received a reply, which is a copy of the reply he has just read. He said he was totally committed to the elimination of this backlog as a matter of urgency. In terms of the number of applications that have been processed since 1 January, many more than that number have been submitted since then. On 6 November a list of 254 applications had been processed. At the rate applications are being processed, it will take a long time to process all the applications submitted. Important opportunities in the fishing sector are not being taken up because of the antiquated licensing system in place. I hope it can be modernised and that the applications can be processed much quicker.

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I do not accept that the licensing system is antiquated. Many of the licences issued ten years ago are coming up for renewal. We are now working under many new different circumstances. For example, we now have to deal with the EPA, the Marine Institute, water directives, bird directives, new planning regulations and far greater public consultation. That has slowed down the procedure.

The Minister, Deputy Coughlan and I are strongly committed to aquaculture. The first phase of the Cawley report was launched yesterday. It strongly recommends the development of aquaculture. We will give that priority during 2008. To answer the Deputy's question, it is my determination to ensure the backlog is eliminated by end of this year.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I am glad to hear of the Department's interest in the aquaculture sector as it presents important opportunities in terms of jobs and value-added benefit.

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Deputy's support. He has been supportive of the sector since he was elected to this House. We recognise the value of aquaculture along the coastline to the coastal communities and in terms of developing further jobs. He can rest assured that we will give it every priority during the coming year.