Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a statutory timeframe for the processing of aquaculture licensing is provided for in legislation; if this statutory timeframe has been adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43185/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Section 13 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997 sets down timeframes within which the Minister shall endeavour to determine an application for an aquaculture licence.

However, in the absence of a commencement order, there is no statutory timeframe in force for the determination of applications for aquaculture licences under the Act. Every effort is 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.