Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 6

Written Answers. - Sea Fish Sector Funding.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

107 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine whether Ireland has supported the Commission's proposal for the creation of a new Objective 6 under the Structural Funds which would be targeted at coastal regions with a high dependence on the fishing industry; the reason this proposal was not acceptable to the Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Andrews)

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, Community structural aid to the sea fish sector is currently available through Regulations 4028/86 and 4042/89. These regulations are not currently part of the Structural Funds framework, but will be incorporated into that framework with effect from 1 January 1994.

In this context, the main purpose of the Commission's initiative in proposing a new Objective 6 was to integrate all current fisheries structural measures into the Structural Funds and, within that framework, to adopt accompanying socio-economic measures with a regional impact to assist areas dependent on fishing. The creation of an Objective 6 is just one possible way of achieving this aim. Another possible way of reaching the same goal would be to create a new heading within Objective 5b.

The question of the creation of an Objective 6 has been discussed on a number of occasions at Community level, most notably at the Edinburgh Council, which concluded,inter alia, that “appropriate attention should be given to the needs of areas dependent on fishing within the relevant objectives”. The matter is still under discussion, and no final decision has yet been taken on it at Community level.

In this context, the Irish view has consistently been to support any initiative which will result in the Community having at its disposal structural instruments and resources which will enable it best to meet the challenges currently confronting the fisheries sector, in particular in areas which are heavily dependent on fishing.