Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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922. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the assurances he will provide that incumbent companies may continue to operate while he is addressing the issue of licensing for seaweed harvesting and regulation of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12153/15]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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A number of applications to harvest seaweed on a commercial scale are currently before my Department. These applications are being assessed in the context of the relevant regulatory framework, including any obligations that may arise under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. Following the conclusion of the application assessment process and having considered the recommendations of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and my Department, I will make a final determination on each of these applications. In the meantime, it is the responsibility of individual applicants and/or harvesters to ensure that they are operating in a lawful manner.