asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if fuel subsidies are being paid, directly or indirectly, to fishermen in other EEC countries and if he will introduce similar measures to enable Irish fishermen to compete on equal terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Subsidies For Fishermen.
9.
The only authorised fuel subsidy in the EEC fishery sector is that operated by Italy for fishermen in Sicily. This subsidy is due to terminate at the end of June 1980.
Having regard to the generous capital grants and interest subsidies that are available to Irish fishermen, I would not accept that they are competing on less than equal terms with their European counterparts.
Are indirect subsidies being paid to fishermen in France?
France is operating a fuel subsidy of 16 per cent of the cost of fuel. That has not been authorised by the EEC and is being investigated by the Commission.
Does this not give the French fishermen a competitive edge on their Irish counterparts?
If the French are doing something wrong it is not a reason for us to do something wrong. Our duty is to see that the French are put back on the right track.
I wish to ask one supplementary.
The Deputy stands up and fires six or eight questions in rapid succession. We have taken half an hour to get through nine questions.
Does the Minister intend to introduce a fuel subsidy to bring our fishermen on a level with the French? Is he aware that a £3 million subsidy has been given to English fishermen? We are penalising our fishermen by introducing an increased fuel price.
We do not intend to introduce direct or indirect fuel subsidies on a national basis because that would start an unfair situation. The subsidy introduced in Britain is different, funds have now been used up and they are not in a position to continue it. If they were to consider it all over again they would think differently.