Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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366. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the work of the seal depredation focus group, which a Bord Iascaigh Mhara report in 2013 stated had been set up to promote discussion on issues surrounding the seal, conflict among stakeholders regarding the future of the seal and fisheries management policy. [18586/15]

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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367. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will indicate the way in which the seal depredation focus group has conducted its business; its representation; and the findings to date. [18587/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 367 together.

I understand from the Marine Institute that a Seal Fisheries Focus Group was set up to bring together industry, science and NGOs. Membership of the Group has included scientists from the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Coastal and Marine Research Centre of UCC together with representatives from the Irish Seal Sanctuary and from the Irish sea-fishing industry. I am advised that the Group meets on an ad hoc basis. The Group is anticipated to reconvene in the near future to discuss research studies currently awaiting publication.

It is important to note that the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partnership (IFSRP) was set up on an official basis to enhance collaboration and mutual understanding on fisheries science priorities, which are beneficial to the long-term future of the Irish fishing industry. The IFSRP includes industry representatives and scientist s from both Marine Institute and BIM and meets on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss scientific work programmes and priorities, including in relation to interactions between seals and sea-fisheries.