Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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2466. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a report published in 2020 by a company (details supplied) into the organisational capability of the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency; his further views regarding the conclusions drawn in the executive summary regarding the governance and unsatisfactory internal procedures of the agency; if he has confidence in the company in view of the conclusion drawn by the independent review of the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18642/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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An independent review of the Organisational Capability of the SFPA was commissioned in 2019 and completed by Price Waterhouse Coopers. The principal objective of the review was to contribute to the ongoing and future development of the organisation. A Steering & Oversight Group comprised of three senior and expert persons, all independent of SFPA, was put in place to oversee the review. The areas covered by the review are the organisational capabilities of the SFPA to deliver on its mission for the effective and fair regulation of the sea fishing and seafood sectors that fall within its mandate.

The Review was completed in April 2020. The Review made 46 recommendations which, when implemented, will address issues identified to improve the effectiveness of the organisation. An independent Advisory Board, nominated by my Department was put in place to assist the management of the SFPA in the implementation of the Report. This Board is purely advisory and does not have any executive role in the operations of the organisation.

I look forward to the effective and efficient implementation of the recommendations of the review over the coming period, which together with the additional resources that have been made available to the Authority will strengthen the organisation to ensure that it delivers to a high standard on its responsibilities.