Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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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, as amended, and applicable national and 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. All submissions received during the public and Statutory consultation phase are considered during the licensing process.

As the applications referred to by the Deputy are under consideration by my Department, it would not be appropriate to comment further pending the conclusion of that process.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board (ALAB) is an independent appeals body established under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997.

The purpose of ALAB is to provide an independent authority for the determination of appeals against decisions of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on aquaculture licence applications.

Pursuant to Section 62(2) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997, the Minister may not exercise any power or control in relation to a particular case with which ALAB is or may be concerned.

Accordingly, I have requested the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board to respond directly to the Deputy's query.