Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide details on the workings of the newly established new independent statutory Sea Fisheries Protection Authority; when will he appoint the S-FPA's statutory consultative committee; the persons he will appoint to this committee; the way the S-FPA will be invigilated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5264/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority was established on the 1st January 2007 as provided for in the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 (No. 8 of 2006). The Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions. The principal functions of the Authority are to: secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and food safety law; promote compliance with and deter contraventions of these laws; detect contraventions of these laws; provide information to the sea-fisheries and seafood sectors on the relevant laws; advise the Minister on enforcement issues; provide information and assistance to the Minister; collect and report data in relation to sea-fisheries and food safety.

The Headquarters of the Authority is located in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. The Authority at present employs in excess of 60 staff and will be recruiting additional staff during 2007 with a view to attaining the full staff complement of 105. Section 48 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 provides for the appointment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee to represent the interests of the sea-fisheries and seafood sectors as well as marine environment and marine research interests.

The legislation provides that the Consultative Committee shall consist of not more than 14 members comprising representatives of the following sectors: sea-fishing catching; inshore fishing; seafood processing; aquaculture. In addition, there are other persons with particular expertise or experience in: marine environment; marine research; or other persons with relevance to the functions of the Authority.

I have invited nominations from a wide range of organisations in accordance with the criteria set out in the Act and I will be considering the nominations received in the near future. The responsibility for the corporate governance of the Authority rests with the Department.