Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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396. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application for an oyster licence by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38697/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department considers all applications for aquaculture licences in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act, the 1933 Foreshore Act and applicable EU legislation. The licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisers as well as various Statutory Consultees. The legislation also provides for a period of public consultation.

In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. Appeals against licence decisions are a matter for the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) which is an independent statutory body. Full details of the appeals process can be obtained at: .

In accordance with the applicable legislation, the Statutory and Public Consultation phase in respect of these applications has now concluded. Every effort is being made to expedite a decision on these applications having regard to the complexities involved. As the applications referred to by the Deputy are under active consideration as part of a statutory process it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter at this time.