Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the marine, coastal and fisheries responsibilities currently held by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8533/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Following the making of the Sea Fisheries, Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2007 (SI No. 707 of 2007), my Department is responsible for the conservation, development, protection, management and improvement of all inland fisheries within the 12 mile limit, in accordance with the Fisheries Acts, 1959 to 2006.

Under the Continental Shelf Act 1968 my Department has responsibility for delineating Ireland's Continental Shelf and for regulating exploration for and exploitation of its natural resources. Related installations on Ireland's Continental Shelf require the approval of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The Department has responsibility for implementing the INFOMAR Programme (a successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (1999-2005)). Undertaken through its Geological Survey of Ireland in a joint venture with the Marine Institute, its purpose is to map the physical, chemical and biological resources of the near shore environment.

My Department also has policy responsibility for encouraging offshore wind, wave and tidal energy generation, which is delivered through its renewable energy support programme. I have no other responsibilities in relation to marine or coastal matters.