John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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92. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received feedback in relation to the European Initiative FARNET, which covers 10,000 km of inland fisheries in Europe; his views that this needs to be extended to areas where tidal water stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8589/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The European Fisheries Areas Network (FARNET) brings together Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) and Member State representatives responsible for FLAG schemes under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). Through information exchange and a dedicated support unit, this network aims to assist the different stakeholders involved in the sustainable development of fisheries areas at local, regional, national and European level. Throughout the EU, FLAGs operate both in inland and in marine fisheries areas. In Ireland, we have six FLAGs covering all coastal areas in the State and their fishing communities. These FLAGs regularly work with FARNET, as does my Department.