Vol. 438 No. 6
35 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for the Marine if he will take immediate steps so that Irish trawler owners will have access to small business expansion loans similar to persons in manufacturing industry, tourism and internationally traded services.
The scheme to which the Deputy refers is an initiative to provide long duration low cost finance for small business.
The eligible sectors are: (1) manufacturing companies paying/or eligible to pay 10 per cent Corporation Profit Tax; (2) internationally traded service companies, and (3) some areas of tourism.
It should be open to elements of the fishing industry, such as small processing plants, to apply for loans under the scheme. Trawler related activities are not covered by the scheme.
I understand, however, that the scheme will be kept under review and that there may be a possibility of its being extended to other sectors in the future.
I have dealt earlier with the matter of the development of the fishing fleet where a comprehensive programme has been drawn up and is being negotiated with the European Commission.
Does the Minister agree that the majority of trawlers in Ireland are family owned and used by a father and a son or two and that the family is a unit of industry which could qualify for grant aid under the business loan scheme? Will the Minister guarantee the House he will pursue this matter further and try to have fishing trawlers included in the scheme to avail of loans for small businesses?
I guarantee I will pursue the matter and try to bring trawlers within the scope of the existing scheme but I cannot guarantee that I will be successful.
Will the Minister try?
Certainly.
Will the Minister postpone answering Question No. 48 which refers to the Ballycotton fisheries officers tragedy, until the Minister for the Marine answers question again?
If it would be helpful, I can give the Deputy a copy of the reply without prejudice to his right to table the question the next time I take questions. I would like to furnish the Deputy with the reply as it may assist him to compose another question.
I would also like Question No. 36 to be deferred.
That concludes Question Time for today.
