John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to introduce initiatives to encourage persons to enter seaweed aquaculture; if he has any strategy in place to examine the potential of seaweed and its possible economic viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20257/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the recommendations of the national seaweed forum, which was published in 2000, the Marine Institute, the marine research agency which operates under the aegis of this Department, is actively pursuing research and development initiatives to support the development of seaweed aquaculture. An extensive study on the technical and economic feasibility of the culture of selected seaweeds under Irish conditions was carried out in 2002-03 and published in 2004. Seaweed aquaculture has also been the subject of a recent study prepared by the Irish Seaweed Centre, Martin Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland in Galway. This report was funded with the support of the marine RTDI measure of the national development plan which is administered by the Marine Institute. A further recent study published in 2004 assessed the potential of kelp harvesting.

There is also a developing interest in using seaweed extracts for nutraceutical or functional food products, and for identifying compounds that have biopharmaceutical applications, and a number of initiatives have been supported under the marine RTDI measure for these applications.

The seaweed sector is included in the current strategic review of the research and development needs of the overall marine sector which is being carried out by the Marine Institute, in consultation with stakeholders. This review will form the basis of a new national strategy for marine research and development for the period 2006 to 2012.

Responsibility for the seaweed company, Arramara Teoranta, was transferred from this Department to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in July 2003. Recent developments in relation to Arramara Teoranta would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and his Department.