asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the incentives offered to attract young people to avail of the opportunity offered in the sea fisheries of Ireland; and if he will make a policy statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sea Fisheries Policy.
22.
It is my policy, and that of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, to ensure that young people who wish to take up a career in sea-fishing can avail of suitable training facilities to fit them for such a career. The board provide such facilities at their National Fisheries Training Centre, Greencastle, County Donegal, where the programme enables school leavers to train for and ultimately qualify as certified skippers.
The board's marine credit plan can also be availed of by young qualified fishermen to obtain grant and loan assistance towards the acquisition of their own boats.