Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the operational programme for fisheries has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36193/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013, which provides for grant aid support to develop the aquaculture industry, was advertised for public consultation in October 2008. Following this consultation process issues were raised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on behalf of Central Fisheries Board (CFB) regarding the grant-aiding of projects where environmental issues arise relating to compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and sea lice control on salmon farms.

This Department with its agencies working with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) developed a plan to deliver compliance with the EU Birds and Habitat directives for wild fisheries and aquaculture over a determined timeframe. This plan was submitted to DG Environment for consideration. While substantial progress has been made in securing the agreement of DG Environment to the provisions of the plan which has been the subject of detailed discussions, DG Environment has not formally signed off on the plan. My officials will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to giving them the assurances that will allow them to withdraw their objections to the Operational Programme.

A meeting at ministerial level was held in June between my Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I advised on the significant progress made in relation to managing sea lice levels on salmon farms and the concerns of the Fishery Boards were also set down. I am hopeful that there is a better understanding of the issues involved from both Departments' perspectives and that on this basis we can find a satisfactory resolution to the concerns raised. However, at this time it has not yet been possible to satisfy the concerns of the CFB on sea lice.

I would hope to be able to approve the OP once all issues raised have been dealt with and that both the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are satisfied with the progress made on the issues arising.