I rise this morning to talk about the aquaculture industry and licences therefor. Both the Leader and the Cathaoirleach are very much aware of the issue. I am concerned about where we are going and how we are policing aquaculture licences, the regulations and legal rights allowing people to get involved in the process. The industry will be a driver of the economy but we must ensure that the proper locations are identified for it. We must bring people with us. There must be consultation and informed debate about what it will mean for the marine area and marine users. It is important that the Minister would come to the House at some stage to outline his view regarding those issues. There is a proposal in Kinsale at the moment for an extensive mussel farm.

Location is a significant issue, as is the information provided. The Minister must clarify how much information is given in the applications. If sufficient information is not provided, how does the Department adjudicate? We need the Minister to come to the House to clarify these issues so that we can have an informed debate on where we are going to locate these farms. We all know that they are going to be part of the industry going forward but how we determine their location and engage with the public on same is very important.