Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Táimid buíochas leis an Seanadóirí as ucht an cheist a baint feamainne a phlé anseo inniu.
Public participation is a key element of the decision-making process under the Foreshore Act 1933. At the outset I want to stress that foreshore licence applications are subject to a public consultation process, during which comments can be submitted to my Department. A number of licence applications for seaweed harvesting have been received by the Department and are currently under assessment. These applications vary considerably. They are made by both individual and commercial harvesters. Some have applied for a licence to harvest specific types of seaweed in a single or a couple of adjoining bays while other applications extend over a large area of coastline. The species and amounts of seaweed proposed to be harvested are also varied, ranging from very small quantities of Carrageen Moss to significant volumes of ascophyllum nodosum. End use applications range from artisan food products to animal health products to high grade fertiliser.
I urge people with a particular interest in, or a tradition of involvement with, seaweed harvesting to use the opportunity afforded by the public consultation process to make their views on the applications known to my Department on the applications in question. These consultations are expected to begin very shortly. They will be advertised in the local and national press and published on my Department's website. I am aware of the interest that some applications have attracted and of the one referred to by the Senator. My Department is in the process of making all applications that are deemed complete available on my Department's website and is issuing instructions to applicants on the public consultation procedures. Given the level of interest in these applications, I have decided to extend the consultation period from 21 working days to 30 working days.
All applications will be assessed in the context of the relevant regulatory framework, including any obligations that may arise under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. Following the conclusion of that assessment and the recommendations of the marine licence vetting committee - which I think is the committee that the Senator referred to - and my Department, I will be in a position to make determinations on the applications.
It is important to remember that living seaweed acts as an important habitat for marine and coastal species as well as having economic potential. In this context, the need to ensure sustainable exploitation of this valuable resource through the regulation of seaweed harvesting under the Foreshore Act 1933 is vital. This is the focus of my Department's efforts.
I am sure that Senators will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment directly on any specific application that will ultimately come before me for determination. However, any established rights in law will not be interfered with. My Department is seeking legal advice on the interaction of folio rights with the Foreshore Act and the European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011.

My Department is seeking legal advice on the interaction of folio rights with the Foreshore Act and the European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011. In addition, I will seek to definitively clarify the position on traditional and appurtenant rights. It must be remembered, however, that the majority of foreshore is in State ownership and that the associated seaweed is also, therefore, owned by the State.

As I previously advised the House, the specific issue of seaweed harvesting licensing is currently under review in the context of the forthcoming maritime area and foreshore (amendment) Bill.