Vol. 568 No. 2
179 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total number employed in seafishing; the extent to which this number has increased or decreased in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16191/03]
Surveys in relation to employment in the Irish seafood industry, comprising fishing, aquaculture, processing and ancillary sectors are carried out by del Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, on a periodic basis. The most recent survey carried out in 2000 estimated that some 15,200 people were employed in the sector in both full-time and part-time jobs. This translates into some 11,920 full time equivalent jobs. The previous survey, completed in 1997, estimated full and part-time employment at 15,800 or 12,130 full-time equivalents.
Overall employment levels have decreased by almost 4% over the period covered by both surveys. However, the level of full-time equivalent jobs has decreased by less than 2% indicating that a higher proportion of full-time employment was available in 2000. I am satisfied that the seafood industry continues to offer valuable employment in the regions and coastal communities where alternative opportunities are limited. BIM, in partnership with the ESRI, is carrying out a survey to determine current levels of employment in the sector.
