asked the Minister for Fisheries the number of applications for grants for fish processing received by BIM for 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Processing Grants.
17.
The answer is none because BIM are not the grant agency for the fish processing sector. The Industrial Development Authority or Gaeltarra Éireann as appropriate are prepared to grant aid the establishment or extension of suitable fish processing projects.
Would the Minister accept that the grants paid by the IDA are usually recommended by BIM? The grants are given in consultation with the IDA. If no applications have been received would he accept that something is very wrong and greater incentives are necessary to encourage processing?
I would not so accept. I am sorry the answer given to me did not contain the information I will give the Deputy now because it might have saved him asking his supplementary question. During 1976 a total of 33 applications in relation to fish processing were received by the grant agencies: 23 were in respect of new plants and ten for extensions to existing plants. The corresponding figures for 1975 were eight new and five extensions.
Is the Minister satisfied sufficient money is available to provide more processing in view of the importance of this to fisheries at the moment?
Yes.