asked the Minister for the Marine if he will recommend that a FEOGA grant be paid to a firm (details supplied) who have valuable markets for herring, sole and other fish products in Japan who estimate that they can attain an employment level of 400; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - FEOGA Grant Payment.
151.
My Department is aware that the relevant State agency is considering an application by a company (details supplied) for grant assistance towards the establishment of a fish processing plant. The approval of State grant assistance is a necessary pre-requisite for a grant under FEOGA and is a matter for the State agency concerned. My Department's role is an advisory one mainly in regard to the availability of supplies for the project. In this particular case it would seem that the supply of fish particularly herring, is already fully committed in respect of other processing facilities and thus it does not seem possible for this project to achieve its supply targets. This will be an important consideration in the final decision on the application.