171. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a report (details supplied); the expected timeline for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52046/26]

I have engaged Mr. Kieran Mulvey to produce an independent report by working with seafood representative groups in order to identify and articulate issues, priorities, and opportunities for the sector.

The purpose of this engagement is to consider the independent report in order to assist me in setting the Terms of Reference for a Fisheries Sector Strategy, as provided for in the Programme for Government.

Mr. Mulvey visited the Department's six Fishery Harbour Centres and met with various stakeholder organisations representing the catching (both inshore and offshore), processing and aquaculture sectors.

I expect Mr. Mulvey's report to be published shortly.