Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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443. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amendment he proposes to make to the aquaculture licence for Lough Alton held by a company (details supplied) as a result of the company's breach of licence conditions; and the assurances that can be given to the public that the company will abide by the amendment. [33672/16]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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445. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commission an independent outside body to take over from his Department the task of examining overstocking at other sites in view of the conflict of interest that arises for his Department and in view of his decision not to revoke the licence held by a company (details supplied) at Lough Alton due to commercial reasons. [33674/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 445 together.

As the Deputy is aware my Department is currently examining possible overstocking in respect of a number of aquaculture sites operated by the company referred to by the Deputy.

In relation to one of the sites - Lough Altan Hatchery, I have concluded my consideration of the issue and I have determined that an amendment to the license held by the company in respect of this site would be appropriate. My Department is currently examining the nature of the amendment and will be following up with the company in relation to the matter.

As my Department’s examination in respect of the other sites is ongoing as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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444. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his proposed review of his Department's aquaculture licensing system will commence; and the assurances that can be given to the public that it will be genuinely independent in view of his decision not to revoke a company's aquaculture licence (details supplied) for Lough Alton for commercial reasons rather than for public interest reasons. [33673/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s first National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development was published by my Department in December 2015. That Plan proposes 24 actions to drive the sustainable development of the aquaculture sector and sustainably grow production in the sector by 45,000 tonnes.  Action number 22 of the National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development commits my Department to a review and revision of the aquaculture licence process, including the applicable legal framework. This Review is echoed by the recommendations of Food Wise 2025. My Department is actively examining the terms of reference and structure of the proposed review, including in relation to its independence, and I would expect to make an announcement soon.

In relation to the licence referred to by the Deputy, my Department has concluded its examination of the issues involved and I have determined that an amendment of the licence held by the company in respect of this site would be appropriate. My Department is currently examining the nature of the amendment and will be following up with the company in relation to this matter.