Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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325. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding commercial fishing policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4690/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Marine Institute (MI) is the State agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. The MI provides scientific and technical advice to Ministers to help inform policy and to support the sustainable development of Ireland’s marine resource.

Each year, the MI's Fisheries Ecosystems Advisory Services (FEAS) team produces the Stock Book, which provides up-to-date scientific information on the state of the fisheries resources exploited by the Irish fleet. The Stock Book has been published by the MI since 1993 and has evolved considerably over time to meet the needs of decision makers and stakeholders.

The information contained within the Stock Book is of vital importance in serving Ireland during the negotiations on setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs). It also serves as a valuable reference throughout the year. The Stock Book is also of interest to a wider audience, including the fishing industry, marine scientists, managers, environmental NGO’s, third level institutes, financial institutions and those with an interest in the status and management of marine fisheries resources in the waters around Ireland. The MI meets with stakeholders on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss how advice is formulated and data is collected, e.g. through the Irish Fisheries Science Research Partnership forum, which consists of industry representatives, the MI and BIM. The MI also has regular meetings with the environmental NGO’s for the same purpose.

Appointments to the Board of the Marine Institute (MI) and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) are advertised through the Public Appointments Service. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), established under statute in 2004, provides an independent shared service in recruitment, assessment and selection to organisations across the Civil and Public Service. On 30 September 2014, the Government decided that the PAS should also be given responsibility for putting in place an open, accessible, rigorous and transparent system to support Ministers in making appointments to State Boards.

The dedicated website, is the channel through which the PAS advertises vacancies on State Boards including the MI and BIM. It is also the means through which accomplished, experienced and qualified people, including people who might not previously have been identified as available for appointment, can apply to be considered for particular board vacancies. An Assessment Panel is convened by PAS to consider and assess the applications received by PAS. The Panel reviews all expressions of interest against the specific appointment criteria for the role, as advertised and assesses potential candidates further once they meet the specified appointment criteria. The assessment panel arrives at a shortlist of suitable candidates to be sent forward for consideration by the Minister. Further details on this process are available on the above website.