The Taoiseach has established an inter-Departmental Group to stimulate the development of the country's marine resources.
The new group involves eight government departments and will focus on creating jobs and developing indigenous resources.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Tony Killeen, will oversee the co-ordination of the group.
Minister Killeen said the co-ordinating group was at a very high level and it was a positive commitment to maritime matters, but accepted that it would be judged by the results achieved.
