Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the progress being achieved regarding the processing of licences within his Department, in particular aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25804/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the responses to questions Nos. 47 of 6 November 2007 and 204 of 14 May 2008.

The process has become considerably more complex in recent years due to increased activity and demands in the coastal zone and the knock-on need to take an ever greater account of public safety, environmental and economic issues. A key element in this is seeking to ensure that the licensing process takes full account of the requirements of a number of EU directives and relevant implementing regulations governing, in particular, the potential environmental impacts of any aquaculture activities. These include Directives on the quality of shellfish waters, on the protection and conservation of Natura 2000 sites and on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the marine environment.

My Department is continuing to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the EU Commission with a view to ensuring that the licensing process takes full account of the requirements of all these Directives. This work is considerably advanced at this stage. In addition to the complexities associated with EU Directives is the fact that many of the licences already in place were issued in the 1990's for a period of 10 years and are now coming up for renewal. The process for renewal of a licence is essentially the same as that for a new licence. In addition there are a substantial number of applications for assignment of licences. It is also a feature that there is an increasing number of legal issues arising in the context of the administration of the regulatory process.

The licensing procedure is lengthy and complex, involving a range of intermediate measures before a recommendation and decision can be made in any one case. The process involves consultation on a technical level, a public consultation process, and statutory consultation with a wide variety of Government Departments, bodies and agencies. Any decision on an application is also potentially subject to appeal to the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board. I would emphasise that, to a large extent, my Department is dependent on inputs and advices from a number of other Government Departments and agencies which are key to the deliberative process.

My Department has prepared a detailed strategic plan to give effect to the recommendations on aquaculture licensing contained in the Cawley Report. This plan is currently undergoing urgent internal consultation with a view, inter alia, to eliminating the licensing backlog within a defined timeframe and delivering enhanced customer service to the industry.