Vol. 416 No. 3
10 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if, in view of the serious cutback in capital development to Bord Iascaigh Mhara, he will outline the plans he has to encourage and promote the fishing industry, particularly the shellfish industry in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government remain committed to the continued development of the fishing industry, including the shellfish sector. In this context my Department have requested Bord Iascaigh Mhara to review their capital development programmes in order to ensure that optimum use is made of allocations provided for capital purposes. With this objective in mind, national capital grant levels have been reduced to the minimum necessary to attract continued funding from Community aid schemes.
The total funds made available from the Exchequer to BIM this year, which amount to IR£7.55 million, constitute a very considerable commitment by the State to the development of the industry. I will, however, keep the level of funding under review. Should it emerge that genuine sustainable development opportunities will be missed because of any lack of finance, I will consider whatever possibilities may be available to ensure that such difficulties will be overcome.
As regards the shellfish industry in particular the extent and nature of available funding will be reviewed with BIM to ensure that grant aid is directed as effectively as possible in order to maximise take-up of Community assistance, and to stimulate further commercial growth in the sector to the greatest extent achievable. Production of the key shellfish species, which are mussels, oysters and clams, remains on a strong growth path. Output was over 20,000 tonnes in 1991 with employment reaching over 1,000 jobs of which about 300 are full time. The industry offers a significant source of supplementary income for many people in disadvantaged coastal areas. It is envisaged that production will continue to expand and has the potential to reach 35,000 tonnes by 1996 with commensurate increases in employment. The commercial development of new species such as scallop and abalone is also showing promise and will, it is expected, contribute to overall output over the next few years.
To maximise the potential of the sector, and bearing in mind existing budgetary constraints, I have directed BIM to give the highest priority to assisting the shellfish industry in the context of the agency's aquaculture programme.
I welcome the Minister's response to the question. Is the Minister aware that there is widespread concern, particularly in the shellfish industry, that that industry will be stunted in its growth? Given the Government's commitment to job creation will the Minister confirm that he will provide the necessary funding for the development of this very valuable natural resource?
The Deputy will realise that there is a limited amount of funds available. However, I would assure him that in relation to the current needs for job creation, which are very great, I will emphasise the potential of this sector and ensure that where funds are available they will be directed to increasing employment there.
Are special funds being made available for the Irish Sea sector, particularly along the east coast from Howth in the Minister's constituency to Wexford, to discover potential areas where the shellfish industry could be expanded?
That is worthy of a separate question.
Quite a number of projects are being put forward in this sector and I will ensure that they are taken into consideration in the development programme.
