Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 487: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the policy on licensed mussel growers in Lough Swilly being allowed to go into other licensed grounds on the Swilly to avail of mussel spat for the growing and cultivation of mussels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3626/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my written reply of 30 January 2008 (Ref No: 1892/08) in which I indicated that My Department operates the aquaculture licensing system in full conformance with the provisions of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997.

Section 16 of the 1997 Act provides that an aquaculture licence is binding on the State and on all persons, and, subject to section 8(3) of that Act, shall operate to enable the licensee to carry on, in accordance with the licence, such operations as are specified in the licence, free from all prior or other rights, titles, estates or interests, if any. Section 16 also provides that the licensee shall, by virtue of, but subject to the conditions of, the licence and the requirements of any regulations made under section 71, have the exclusive right to do within the boundaries or limits specified in the licence anything authorised by the licence or necessary or expedient to conduct the operations specified in the licence.