A draft review of the State's marine sector by economist Dr Peter Bacon has criticised the dual role of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
The preliminary review by Dr Bacon,which was commissioned by the Marine Institute, also highlights an absence of adequate State policy to develop the sector, in spite of Ireland's long coastline and natural resources.
It suggests that the sector is not realising its potential, partly because of the regulatory and developmental functions held by the Department.
This dual role is "inappropriate", Dr Bacon says, and he urges the Marine Institute to see if the regulatory system is excessively inhibiting development.
Failure to do so could mean that the national marine research strategy is out of line with national and EU policy guidelines, he says in a briefing document seen by The Irish Times.
The Department's structure has been criticised before, but Dr Bacon's findings come when there is a question mark over its long-term future.
The Minister recently announced that all marine functions would be transferred to a "one stop shop" in Clonakilty, Co Cork, along with Bord Iascaigh Mhara, while the main Department will move to Cavan as part of the Government's decentralisation strategy. The Marine Institute, which is funded by the Minister, sought to distance itself yesterday from Dr Bacon's criticisms by stating that his document had "no official status" and was circulated to stimulate "open debate, discussion and feedback" at a recent workshop in Howth, Co Dublin.
It emphasised that the findings were of a preliminary nature, as part of a socio-economic study commissioned from the economist last December, and were "completely separate" from the Government's decentralisation plan.
Dr Bacon's final draft is expected next month, as one of eight reports commissioned by the institute in preparation for a new five-year strategy plan. This national research and innovation strategy for the marine sector from 2005 to 2010 will be developed over the next year in full consultation with the Department, other public agencies, the private sector and the public, it said.
The consultants were asked to engage in a series of consultations, which are "ongoing", the institute said.
Dr Bacon, who is best known for his work for the Government on the property sector, suggests a regulator for the marine sector as an alternative model to the current structure. He notes that the Department has held its regulatory functions "close to the core", while moving development functions to a number of agencies - or leaving them within the private sector.
On ports and shipping, the review highlights congestion at ports due to inadequate infrastructure, and says the market is vulnerable due to third country competition.
Analysing marine tourism and leisure, it notes the "unresolved" conflict between angling and commercial net fishing, and the "lack of clarity" about the product on offer and the target market.
On energy, for which the Department is also responsible, the Bacon review notes that policy is "weak", and the approach to renewable energy is "largely a failure". n The economic role of the marine in Ireland remains "small and under-developed" and lacking support.
The dual marine role held by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is "inappropriate".
The Marine Institute must examine the regulatory system to see if it is inhibiting development.
Failure to do so may mean that its strategy for research and development is out of line with national and EU policy guidelines.