asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he has any programme for the development of salmon and trout farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards are actively promoting the development of salmon and trout farming in accordance with a multiannual guidance programme submitted to the EC last year by my Department. I will have a copy of this programme sent to the Deputy.

Can the Minister give us some indication of the number of applications for salmon and trout farming now in his Department? Would he comment on the application from the Norwegians to invest in a salmon hatchery or salmon rearing station in Galway Bay, because that is linked with this whole development? What is his attitude to the Norwegian application? How many applications are held up in his Department because of lack of action in this very important area?

There are approximately 300 applications for licences with my Department at the moment.

Is that apart from the Norwegian application?

Apart from an application from a group of Norwegians to site a tanker somewhere off the west coast. That application will be dealt with in the not too distant future.

Could the Minister give some indication as to his attitude to that application? Is it favourable or unfavourable?

At this stage I would rather not pre-empt whatever decision may be made.

I would like the Minister to indicate some interest in this area of huge potential for development. A number of applications are held up at present and applicants have not got permission to go ahead with their developement projects. Could he put some speed into the section of his Department dealing with this area and see that something worthwhile is done this year?

I totally reject the accusation, or personal opinions——

The Minister cannot reject anything. It is fact.

——of Deputy Daly that I have no interest in that area.

The Minister may reject what he likes but 300 applications are being held up.

A final supplementary question.

Could the Minister indicate how many of those 300 applications are from non-nationals?

I could not give that information because I do not know. There are a number of applications from non-nationals. I hope that with regard to our west coast or any other part of our coast, whatever is available in riches from the seas would be available preferably to the riparian owners and those living along those coasts — preferably to nationals as against non-nationals.