Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 1045: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 42 of 30 June 2009, the progress made regarding the processing of aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32974/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In the case of aquaculture sites located outside the Natura 2000 area 85 applications are currently being examined by my Department's Engineering Division as a matter of priority.

In the case of aquaculture sites located within the Natura 2000 area my Department, in conjunction with the Marine Institute, is gathering the necessary baseline data appropriate to the conservation objectives of these areas.

Every effort is being made by my Department to expedite the determination of all outstanding cases having regard to the complexities of each case and the need to comply fully with all relevant national and EU legislation.