Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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187. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the independent review into the aquaculture licensing process and associated legal framework has been completed; if the group has published its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26352/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Independent Review Group was tasked with making recommendations to improve the existing licensing system and to undertake steps to review the legislative framework.  On 31 May 2017 I received the Review Group's report which examines the process of licensing for aquaculture and its associated legal framework in keeping with actions identified in Food Wise 2025 and Ireland’s National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development.

The aquaculture licensing process deals with complex scientific and technical information and seeks to balance often competing issues.  It is not surprising therefore that the report sets out 30 separate recommendations on a wide range of aspects to the process which I will need to reflect on and, where necessary, seek appropriate advice as regards potential implementation.

The report will be published online at www.fishingnet.ie.