Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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344. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the negotiations with the Crown Estates in relation to the transfer of powers to the Loughs Agency in order for them to control the licensing of aquaculture within Lough Foyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32027/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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While I do not have lead responsibility for the Loughs Agency or aquaculture I am very conscious of the current difficulties arising from unlicensed activity in Lough Foyle.

Following discussions in 2011 between the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the British Foreign Secretary, the British and Irish Governments agreed to seek to address and resolve jurisdictional issues relating to both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough. Since that time a series of meetings have taken place at official level between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and my own Department, the most recent of which was in July this year. The issues involved are complex and involve a range of different actors, including the Crown Estates, but I am satisfied that all sides are committed to reaching a positive resolution as soon as possible.