280 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for the Marine when a licence will be issued by his Department to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to enable him to engage in mussel fish farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21060/96]

The person concerned has applied for a licence to cultivate mussels on longlines in Kilmakilloge Harbour, County Kerry. To date some 14 aquaculture licences have been granted authorising mussel farming in Kilmakilloge Harbour and a number of applications are on hands in my Department, including that to which the question refers.