asked the Minister for Fisheries (a) the percentage of the fish catch in Irish waters that goes to Irish fishermen, (b) the number of jobs directly involved in fishing that would be gained if the entire catch went to Irish fishermen and (c) the number of jobs in downstream industries which would be created if the entire catch went to Irish fishermen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Catch.
1.
In 1976 about 15 per cent of the total catch of fish within Ireland's 200-mile fishery limits was taken by Irish fishermen. Parts (b) and (c) of the question do not admit of realistic estimation. The Deputy might like to know, however, that it has been estimated that doubling the 1975 national catch by 1979 would increase the number of jobs on fishing vessels by 1,300 and in shore industry by 1,200.
When the Minister says 15 per cent in his reply, within what limits does he base that figure?
Within the 200-mile limit. That is the full fishery limit established since January, 1977, around Community waters.
On the Minister's figures for increasing the number of jobs in the industry, what efforts are the Government making to double our catch by 1979?
That is a separate question.
It is a separate question but we have a very positive performance in the whole marine credit plan making increased grants available for the re-engineering of boats involving a 5 per cent deposit and a 12-year period of repayment. These are just some of the matters on which I have already replied.
Has the Minister made any kind of projections of the kind of employment that would create?
I want to emphasise again a point I emphasised here before. Real projections are very difficult until we know the resources we have to fish, and what we have to fish in the way of resources is dependent on the outcome of the current negotiations with our partners in the EEC in seeking to evolve a common fisheries policy. These talks will be resumed next Monday, will continue into Tuesday, and possibly longer, and so it is not proper to talk about real planning until we know the extent of the resources we have.
Will the Minister make a statement to the House after these talks?
Certainly.
Question No. 2.
Just one final supplementary. Has the Minister got a vastly increased number of applications for new boats?
Since the announcement of the improved terms I mentioned about a month ago there has been a very positive reaction in the way of increased inquiries, and the boatyard difficulties that were there appear to have decreased by reason of these increased and improved terms.