Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to ensure the full implementation of the Crawley report and sea change document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14519/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Following the publication of the report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group, Steering a New Course, a strategy for a restructured, sustainable and profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-13, I established the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) to oversee that the strategy recommendations are implemented in a coordinated and cohesive manner. Chaired by Dr. Noel Cawley, and consisting of representatives from the various sectors of the industry, the Department and relevant State Agencies, the SSIG has been tasked with developing a detailed implementation plan, overseeing the delivery of the plan and monitoring and reporting to me on the progress of the implementation of the plan. A timescale of two years has been set for this work. The first meeting of the SSIG took place on 28 March, where the Group noted that many of the recommendations from Steering a New Course are being taken forward as part of the Seafood Development Programme of the NDP 2007-13, which foresees public investment of €334m across the industry.

While it is hoped that funding under the new Seafood Development Programme will be available in quarter 3 of this year, this is dependent on the necessary EU approvals. In the interim, considerable work is required by all stakeholders to ensure full spend is achieved under the EU funding allocation for 2000-2006.

"Sea Change" a Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013 was launched in February this year. The new strategy is part of the wider National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation which was approved by the Taoiseach last year.

The Sea Change strategy aims to drive the development of the marine sector as a dynamic element of Ireland's knowledge economy. The Marine Institute will take the lead role in implementing the strategy. The success of the strategy depends on the collaboration of a wide range of agencies and industry partners.

A High Level Steering Group has been set up in the Department to oversee the implementation of Sea Change, which comprises senior management from relevant Government Departments and State agencies along with representatives of industry and third level interests and is due to hold its first meeting in the near future. In addition to the High Level Steering Group, 13 Implementation Teams across the various research programmes have been established to guide, develop and deliver on the Research Measures of the Strategy.

Reflecting the investment requirement of €365 million to achieve its objectives, funding for Sea Change will be secured through a number of mechanisms, including funds from the Marine Research Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and leveraged funds from the NDP budgets of other Departments and agencies, via the Programme for Research in 3rd Level Institutions (PRTLI) and the Strategic Innovation Fund. In addition, the Marine Institute will work to ensure Irish participation in international competitive marine research funding programmes such as the EU 7th Framework Programme.