Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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303. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's priorities for the remainder of this Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29578/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to implementing the priorities set out in the Programme for Government and in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016. These form the underlying basis of the work of my Department. The work of my Department is also driven by the objectives and strategies, goals and actions deriving from its Statement of Strategy 2015 – 2017. This is drawn in turn from the agri-food industry’s blueprint for the development and progression of the agri-food sector – “Food Harvest 2020” and its successor, “Food Wise 2025”, along with the Marine sector strategy “Harnessing our Ocean Wealth”.

Implementation of the various measures agreed under the CAP reform negotiations as well as the Rural Development Plan 2014 -2020 are among the key priorities for the remainder of my term in office. On CAP measures, my particular focus will be the approval of applications under first tranches of GLAS, Organic Farming Scheme and TAMS II. Also high on my agenda is completion of the roll out of the new Forestry Programme 2014-2020.

Another key priority for me is to deliver the best possible outcome for Ireland’s fishing fleets in the annual quota negotiations. In this area other policy priorities include ongoing implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and the Coastal States Negotiations on key shared stocks i.e. Mackerel and Blue Whiting. I also plan to progress an amendment to the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006.

In addition to the above I expect to achieve significant progress on the Aquaculture License backlog, to conduct a full review of the Aquaculture Licensing procedures as per the commitments set out in Food Wise 2025.

In summary my main aim is to continue the sustainable development of the agri-food, marine and forestry sectors which have proven to be central to the success of our economy. My remit as Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine is broad and varied and I am committed to continuing to deliver progress on all areas that I have responsibility for.