Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I am making the point that the plan had been on the former Minister's desk for 18 months and might not have cost as much had goodwill be involved.

Work has commenced on a €25 million development at Castletownbere, an €8 million development at Clogherhead and a €6 million development at Rossaveal, County Galway. The public consultation process to identify the best option has also commenced in Dunmore East and Senator McHugh will be aware that proposals are also in the pipeline to improve facilities at Greencastle, a matter currently being dealt with by An Bord Pleanála. As my time is limited, this is but a quick snapshot of works either completed or moving through the pipeline.

On aquaculture licensing and control, the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 established a modern and effective licensing system. The Act sets out the various steps that must be followed as approved by the Oireachtas. My Department undertakes an extensive monitoring and control programme in accordance with that legislation. What gives us the competitive edge in terms of aquaculture is monitoring and control. I would be the first to acknowledge there are problems in the fin fish and salmon farming sector and that we must address those. Production of farmed salmon has dropped from approximately 23,000 tonnes to 15,000 tonnes during the past number of years. Fish farming, salmon farming in particular, and the aquaculture industry provide much needed jobs in the most peripheral areas of the country. We intend to work with the industry, BIM and the Marine Institute in that regard. At a recent meeting with the industry in Dingle, I gave a commitment on the part of Government to work in partnership with it to try to overcome its problems.

I am the first to realise that critical mass in absolutely necessary. Ireland is at a disadvantage, as it is further away from the European mainland and faces competition from Norway. We are negotiating with the Commission on minimum import prices that will not leave us at a disadvantage. I acknowledge difficulties exist for the industry.

Sea-angling is a viable tourism development option which is receiving attention. A €3.7 million scheme is in place to facilitate diversification away from fisheries. Grant payments as high as €100,000 per project are available for a variety of activities, ranging from sea-angling to island tours to bird and dolphin watching. To date, the Department has approved support for 74 projects, providing grant assistance of over €1.3 million, resulting in a total investment of €3.5 million. This represents valuable support to these enterprises and communities.

Considerable progress has been made by the Government in promoting development of the marine sector. The programme for Government contains several important priorities including the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, the introduction of a new fleet policy, the development of a long-term strategy for sustainable development of our fishing industry, the development of our fisheries harbours and effective management and service structures. The Government will focus on the December Council meeting and do its utmost by networking with all its contacts in the European Union seeking support. I agree with the Senators' comments on conservation. We are the custodians for future generations and must ensure a proper balance is kept. Senator Finucane referred to deep water species. Recommendations for huge reductions for species that only became included in quotas two years ago have been made. In this area we need to achieve the proper balance between the socio-economic advantages of fishing these species and conservation of stocks. Scientists will look only at the conservation aspect. However, at the December Council meeting, we will be arguing for the consideration of the socio-economic advantages. While the outcome may not be what we all desire, hopefully we will have a reasonable package to allow the industry to develop.