Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

We are delighted with the work the Minister is doing. He is really thorough and his interest is very obvious. My first question relates to his big project, the organic salmon project off Inis Oirr. I received a proposal which I sent to the Minister from some small fishermen keen to invest in that. I know Bord Iscaigh Mhara is going all over the world to try to get investors but would the Minister allow Irish fishermen or coastal communities to invest in it? It is a great sign of confidence. There is an issue of fish lice there and the concerns of those on Inis Oirr who will see this project from their island and yet they will not be able to benefit from it because of their issues with the pier and the breakwater.

My second question relates to the oyster fishery in Clarinbridge which, as the Minister knows, is world famous. It is doing great and has considerable exports but it is not getting enough dredging licences because of a new birds and natural habitats regulation. If the fishermen cannot dredge the bay, they will not renew it and the oysters will not grow properly. They are happy to engage in any fishery management plan but I agree with them that it was a bit unfair that the day they were refused the licences was the day they were asked for the fishery management plan. They have no difficulty with consultation.

Does the Minister's China memorandum on trade and investment extend more broadly than food - agriculture and fisheries - because I am involved in a China-Ireland initiative and we believe that what is needed is bilateral investment between Ireland and China - government to government because, as the Minister said, it is a hierarchical society - and to attract foreign direct investment into Ireland.