Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will grant a greater number of licences to fishermen on a peninsula (details supplied) in County Donegal in view of the fact that the collapse of the construction industry has eliminated all other types, excluding marine, of employment on the peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3984/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to aquaculture licences.

The Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997, as amended, governs the granting, renewal, amendment or revocation of aquaculture licences. In accordance with section 10 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 it is open to any individual or legal entity to apply for an aquaculture licence within the meaning and in accordance with the terms of the Act and any Regulations made thereunder. In considering an application for an aquaculture licence, including an application to renew an aquaculture licence, the licensing authority must consider: the potential impacts on safety and navigation; the ecological impacts on wild fisheries, natural habitats, flora and fauna; the suitability of the waters; the other beneficial uses of the place or waters; the likely effects on the economy of the area; and the statutory status under European legal frameworks of the area under application. All valid applications are processed by my Department having regard to the statutory requirements.