Bernard J. Durkan
Question:78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline his proposals for the development of the fishing industry, with particular reference to value-added products with a view to increased exports.
Written Answers. - Fishing Industry Development.
I am particularly conscious of the need for a greater emphasis on value-added products in the context of the overall development of the Irish fishing industry. Indeed, given the constraints imposed by EC quotas regimes, it is absolutely essential that every effort is made to maximise the value of as high a proportion as possible of the national catch.
With this objective in mind a strategy for the development of the fish processing industry has been agreed with the EC Commission and is set out in a Community Support Framework (CSF) for fish processing in Ireland. This CSF covers the period 1991 to 1993, inclusive, and has earmarked EC aid of 10 MECUS for Ireland over the period. It also sets out the principal priority objectives to be attained in assessing and processing applications for grant aid. These relate to the better utilisation of available raw materials, increasing the added value of pelagic catches and upgrading and modernising of existing processing facilities.
EC aid is allocated to individual applicants through operational programmes (OPs) which are prepared by my Department and submitted to the EC Commission for approval. Successful applicants receive EC aid of 45 per cent of eligible costs and at least 5 per cent national aid.
The first OP was prepared and approved in 1991. It involved a total investment of £6.8 million by Irish processing companies for which EC aid of £3 million approximately was approved in respect of nine projects. Employment creation of 148 jobs is envisaged as the new projects come on stream.
The second OP is in course of preparation at present and is expected to attract £3 million in EC aid. A third OP will be prepared later this year and should attract a further £2 million in Community aid. I am confident that these programmes will result in a significant improvement in the overall production of value-added products and make a positive contribution towards increasing the value of Irish fish exports.