Written answers

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Seaweed Harvesting Licences

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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132. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any exclusive rights to seaweed harvesting on the coastlines of the west of Ireland have been granted to a company (details supplied) in the context of the sale of Arramara Teo to that company; if specific measures to protect the interests of traditional seaweed harvesters and purchasers of seaweed have been put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21950/14]

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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At the outset I wish to point out that I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that no rights, exclusive or otherwise, to seaweed harvesting have been granted to the company referred to by the Deputy in the context of the sale of Arramara Teoranta to them. I also understand that the sale of Arramara Teoranta to the company in question does not in any way affect any rights that harvesters may have to harvest seaweed. My Department is advised that Arramara Teoranta purchases seaweed from local harvesters, has done so for the past 60 years and plans to continue that practice into the future. My Department is also advised that Arramara Teoranta holds no rights to harvest seaweed. Licensing to harvest seaweed is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

In relation to specific measures to protect the interests of seaweed purchasers, Údarás na Gaeltachta has also confirmed to me that the interest of those Irish companies that purchase Arramara products i.e. dried and milled seaweed have been catered for in the sale agreement between Údarás na Gaeltachta and the company in question whereby the company has covenanted to continue to supply the Irish companies. In the event of a breach of covenant, An tÚdarás has confirmed that penalties would apply.

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