asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the amount of the subsidy, if any, to be granted to fishermen for fuel oil purposes for the coming year; and if he will indicate whether his Department propose giving any credit or to write-off interest to fishermen due to the critical position in the fishing industry at present.
Written Answers. - Oil Subsidy to Fishermen.
359.
The question of a rebate of excise duty on marine diesel oil is being considered.
Under the Bord Iascaigh Mhara marine credit plan interest in respect of loans on fishing boats is in most cases subsidised to the amount of 5¼ per cent. In the case of some long-standing loans the interest is fixed at 4 per cent which would entail an element of subsidy higher than 5¼ per cent.
I have no proposals for a further interest subsidy.