asked the Minister for the Marine the number of full-time jobs in the sea fishing industry; the number of part-time jobs in the same area; and the number of new jobs created in the industry over the past two years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jobs in Sea Fishing.
10.
This reply could be given in the form of a tabular statement but, however, there are only a few figures. It is estimated that at present almost 13,500 people are engaged in a full or part time capacity in the sea fishing industry. Approximately 5,850 persons are employed full time and 6,250 part time in the fish catching, farming and processing industries. In addition an estimated 1,400 are involved in the provision of ancillary services.
Since 1987 about 340 new jobs have been created, mainly in aquaculture.
May I ask the Minister when compiling statistics on sea fishing to keep the traditional sea fishing, as we know it, separate from mariculture proposals which is a different operation even though it is involved in the sea? Could the Minister give an assurance that those figures will be separated?
At all times we try to separate them. While they are all based on the sea fishing industry, there is a difference between the traditional type of fishing and the more modern aquaculture. However, in case the Deputy requires a breakdown of the 340 new jobs, 170 have been directly in aquaculture, 100 in the processing sector, 50 in fishing and 20 in the downstream and ancillary services. We have established that it is right and proper to have a breakdown under the various headings.
Do I take it that 50 new jobs were created in the last two years in the traditional sea fishing industry?
The Deputy will be aware that we found ourselves in a very difficult position in 1987 when there were serious constraints on us on assuming office when the previous Administration were of the opinion that there were only about half as many boats fishing as were actually fishing. We should put it on the record once more that the previous Administration tied our hands with a figure of 32,000 GRT whereas it is almost double that figure. The time has long since passed when any administration plucks figures out of the air.
What are you talking about?
We have created these additional jobs and I am sure Deputy Molloy would be very pleased——
There was a reduction in the quota. Can we get the record straight?
——to learn that many of the jobs were in his own area of Galway and many were in Connacht-Ulster. Whether that will be advantageous to him remains to be seen.
Question No. 13, please.