asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he is aware that there is an urgency about dealing with an application to his Department from West Mayo Fishing Co-operative, which would enable them to control oyster fishing in the area they have specified; and if he will take steps to ensure that this licence is granted immediately.

Officials of my Department have recently been in touch with the co-operative regarding the application from the co-opertive for an aquaculture licence under section 54 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, and the co-opertive are to forward further information and documentation.

The Deputy can be assured that this matter is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Is the Minister aware that unless action is taken fairly quickly by his Department stocks may be wiped out? Because of the urgency of the matter, the co-operative are most anxious that an early decision should be arrived at.

I can assure the Deputy that there is one small matter which has to be clarified with the co-operative and, having cleared that, I will issue a temporary licence which will cover the danger he mentioned.