Vol. 405 No. 4
30 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if he has received a request for financial assistance for fish farms along the west coast which were damaged during the storms of early January; if he intends to provide such assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have received requests for financial assistance for fish farms around the coast which suffered stock losses and structural damage during the storms of early January.
The reports available to me suggest that the damage was considerable but that the risks involved were insurable risks which prudent commercial management should have cover for as part of ongoing operations.
While I am sympathetic with the problems which arise and am very concerned with the possible impact for the aquaculture sector generally, it is not the general policy of the State to cover for uninsured risks. In any event there are no funds available to me which could be used to provide the assistance sought.
