Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the awarding of aquaculture licences in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37484/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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There is a substantial backlog in licence applications at present. This is due in large measure to the fact that many of the existing licences were granted for a period of 10 years on foot of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 and are therefore falling due for renewal at present. In addition, many of the outstanding aquaculture licence applications are located in Natura 2000 sites.

My Department is working actively with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the European Commission to develop a methodology acceptable to the EU Commission to enable these aquaculture licences to be renewed in compliance with the Habitats and Birds Directives. A sum of €1.4m has been set aside in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Vote for 2009, to assist environmental compliance activities in relation to aquaculture and sea fishing activities in Natura 2000 sites.

Reaching early agreement with the EU Commission on how to enable licence renewals in Natura 2000 sites in compliance with the Birds and Habitats Directives will greatly assist reducing the backlog of aquaculture licence renewals. The application process has become increasingly complex since the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 was enacted due to increased activity and demands in the coastal zone and involves a range of intermediate measures before a recommendation and decision can be made in any one case. I can assure the Deputy that everything possible is being done to reduce the backlog of applications while at the same time ensuring that the process is in compliance with relevant EU legislation.