Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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522. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address matters (details supplied) regarding aquaculture licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50354/18]

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.

Determinations on these licence applications were made on 5 October 2018. These determinations are published on my Department’s website and the applicant was informed in writing. In addition, the legislation governing aquaculture licensing provides for an appeals mechanism. The applicant was advised in writing of his right to appeal the determinations within the statutory period set out in the legislation.

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: .