The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney has advocated, as part of his Food Harvest 2020 plans, the development of the aquaculture industry in Ireland. However, there is a difficulty at present with the licence application process, which is not time limited. This means that those objecting and the companies seeking to develop their industry do not know where they stand. I ask the Tánaiste to clarify whether the Government has any plans to amend legislation to deal with the fact that the licensing process is not time-limited and there is no deadline for the processing of applications.

The Tánaiste is aware that in recent years concern has been expressed, at times, about decisions of the Judiciary, particularly with regard to sex attacks and child pornography. The Government has expressed an interest in the development of a sentencing council, similar to what is in place in England and Wales, with clear sentencing guidelines for the Judiciary. Does the Government have any plans to introduce legislation in this area?

To my knowledge, there is no legislation promised in the area of aquaculture licensing. I suggest that Deputy Mac Lochlainn takes that issue up with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The judicial council Bill is expected in mid 2014.